Imaging findings of liver resection using a bipolar radiofrequency electrosurgical device--initial observations

Eur J Radiol. 2012 Apr;81(4):663-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2011.01.015. Epub 2011 Feb 8.

Abstract

Objective: To assess contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and serial changes of the treated area at follow-up in patients who underwent liver resection using a bipolar radiofrequency electrosurgical device.

Methods: Imaging findings of 27 patients with resected hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (n=24) and metastases (n=3) (mean size: 2.6cm), were retrospectively evaluated. Two readers assessed: the (a) presence, (b) thickness, (c) shape and (d) echogenicity (CEUS)/attenuation (CT)/signal intensity (MR imaging) at coagulated site and the (e) presence of residual tumor of the bipolar radiofrequency electrosurgical device resection margin.

Results: Follow-up was performed with either CT (n=20) or MR imaging (n=7) and repeated in 16 patients with CT (n=7), MR imaging (n=4), or both techniques (n=5). Four patients also had a single CEUS examination. At first imaging follow-up a peripheral halo was depicted at resection site (100%). A fluid collection within the surgical area was found in 67% of patients. During the following imaging examinations a progressive involution of both findings was observed, respectively, in 81% and 62% of patients. Viable tissue was detected in three patients (11%).

Conclusions: After liver resection with bipolar radiofrequency electrosurgical device successfully ablated tumor is demonstrated at imaging by an unenhancing partial linear peripheral halo, in most cases, surrounding a fluid collection reducing in size during follow-up.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / instrumentation*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Electrosurgery / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Female
  • Hepatectomy / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome