Multipolar radiofrequency ablation of large hepatic metastases of endocrine tumours

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Jan;18(1):89-92. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200601000-00016.

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a reliable method of creating thermally induced coagulation necrosis. Local recurrence after RFA of hepatic metastases is directly dependent on tumour size related to the free margin of ablation. To produce larger coagulation volumes a bipolar radiofrequency device was developed that allows the simultaneous activation of three active needles. This technique was used at laparotomy in a patient with liver metastases of an endocrine tumour. Coagulation size up to 12 cm in diameter could be created. The postoperative recovery of the patient was uncomplicated. No local recurrence was seen after 13 months of follow-up with computed tomography scan. The use of simultaneously operated multiple radiofrequency electrodes in a multipolar mode expands the treatment options for patients with large and unresectable intrahepatic metastases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation / instrumentation
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / secondary*
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed