Electrochemical therapy--comparison with other local treatment methods on rat model

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Electrochemical therapy is an alternative to treat hepatoma. We compare this method with the other local injection methods on rat liver. METHODOLOGY: Five groups of Wister rats (24 in each) were anaesthetized. Electrochemical therapy was set under direct current, 6 volts, electrodes were 0.5 cm apart, 0.5 cm deep into exposed parenchyma for 10 min. Local injection was done with 50 microL of 95% alcohol, 30 microL of 20% acetic acid, 30 microL of 35% hydrochloric acid, and 30 microL of 20% sodium hydroxide via a 27-gauge needle under direct vision into each rat. Rats and their livers were examined postmortem on day 1, 3, 7 and 14. RESULTS: In electrochemical therapy, the treated area showed coagulation necrosis and without blood cells on day 1; then the margin became blurred. Mononuclear cell infiltration, reperfusion and fibrous band formation were prominent from day 3 through day 14. In local injection groups, the necrosis is quite irregular and unpredictable. The regeneration went under similar process. CONCLUSIONS: To destroy tissue locally, electrochemical therapy is unique for its predictability in destructive area and the recovery process and is as effective as the other injection methods. Therefore, it has great potential for hepatoma treatment.