Application of microwave ablation in the emergent control of intraoperative life-threatening tumor hemorrhage during hepatic surgeries

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of intraoperative life-threatening tumour haemorrhage during hepatic surgeries.

Methods: Three cases of MWA application in the emergent control of life-threatening hepatic tumour haemorrhage were analysed and reported.

Results: Satisfactory hemostasis for hepatic tumour rupture was achieved by MWA in all three cases. No major complications, such as post-operative haemorrhage, bile duct injury, liver abscess, colon perforation, skin burns, tumour seeding or renal dysfunction, were identified.

Conclusions: MWA may be a feasible, effective and simple strategy for the emergent control of intraoperative hepatic tumour bleeding. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first reported cases of this novel application of MWA.     

Silkclasy: a simple way for liver transection during anatomic hepatectomies

BACKGROUND: Parenchymal transection is the most important step of liver resection, and during this phase, blood loss may lead to morbidity and mortality. Liver parenchyma can be transected by different ways such as finger fracture, clamp crushing, or instrument-based techniques. METHODS: A simple and cost-efficient method has been developed for liver transection using a technique based on silk crushing of the liver substance. RESULTS: We have successfully employed this technique in 278 consecutive liver resections from July 2001 to March 2006. The average duration of hepatic transection varied according to the type of liver resection: 22 min (range 15-42), 19 min (range 11-37), and 12 min (range 7-21) for right hepatectomy, left hepatectomy, and bisegmentectomy 2-3, respectively. The mean transection speed was 6.9 +/- 2.3 cm(2)/min. Blood transfusions were necessary in 42 patients (15.1%), and there were three operative deaths (1.1%). Morbidity rate was 20.9% (58 patients). CONCLUSIONS: This technique allows a safe and quick liver transection without the use of expensive hemostatic devices, and also precludes the use of inflow occlusion maneuvers. We recommend the use of this technique in centers with low economic resources.     

Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for large hepatic cavernous haemangiomas

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for large hepatic cavernous haemangiomas (HCHs) with ablation of the feeding artery and aspiration of blood from haemangioma simultaneously.

Materials and methods: From January 2011 to December 2016, 40 patients (29 females, 11male; average age 43.25?±?7.65?years) with 42 giant hepatic haemangiomas (mean diameter 7.02?±?1.55?cm, range 4.1–10.8?cm) were treated with image-guided percutaneous MWA with ablation of the feeding artery and aspiration of blood from haemangioma simultaneously. After MWA, therapeutic efficacy was assessed by contrast-enhanced imaging during follow-up. Median follow-up time was 24?months (range 6–60?months).

Results: Technical effectiveness rate was 100% with a mean ablation time of 1175?±?516 (range 480–2340) seconds. The mean number of antenna insertions was 3.82?±?1.23 for each lesion. Clinical effectiveness rate was 95% (38/40). There was a significant decrease of the tumour volume within three days after ablation compared with before ablation (p?Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA for large HCHs with ablation of the feeding artery and aspiration of blood from haemangioma simultaneously is safe and effective.     

Microwave ablation versus hepatic resection for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and oesophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the results of microwave ablation (MWA) and hepatic resection (HR) when combined with pericardial devascularisation plus splenectomy (PCDV) for the treatment of patients with cirrhosis complicated by small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and oesophageal variceal bleeding (EVB).

Materials and methods: Between 2001 and 2013, 73 patients (median age 53.2 years, 67% male) with small HCC and concomitant EVB who underwent MWA or HR for HCC and PCDV for cirrhotic portal hypertension were selected retrospectively for inclusion in this study. The overall survival curves and recurrence-free survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression model.

Results: The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 95.2%, 71.4% and 38.1% and 96.7%, 53.3% and 43.3% for the HR and MWA groups, respectively; these did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, patients in the HR group had more post-operative complications (52.3% vs. 13.7%; p?=?0.002). Multivariate analysis identified albumin and bilirubin levels and tumour size to be statistically significant and independent prognostic factors for overall survival, while BCLC stage was associated with poor recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, albumin levels were shown to be an independent predictive factor for post-operative complications.

Conclusions: For patients with small HCC and concomitant EVB, MWA plus PCDV may reduce the incidence of post-operative complications relative to and provide similar therapeutic benefits as HR plus PCDV, especially for patients with low albumin levels.     

Results of liver resection in combination with radiofrequency ablation for hepatic malignancies

Introduction

Liver tumors should be surgically treated whenever possible. In the case of bilobar disease or coexisting liver cirrhosis, surgical options are limited. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been successfully used for irresectable liver tumors. The combination of hepatic resection and RFA extends the feasibility of open surgical procedures in patients with liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients and methods

RFA was performed with two different monopolar devices using ultrasound guidance. Intraoperative use of RFA for the treatment of liver metastases or HCC was limited to otherwise irresectable tumors during open surgical procedures including hepatic resections. Irresectability was considered if bilobar disease was treated, the functional hepatic reserve was impaired or appraised marginal for allowing further resection.

Results

Ten patients with both liver metastases and HCC, and two patients with cholangiocellular carcinoma were treated. Complete initial tumor clearance was achieved in all patients. Two patients of the metastases group and five patients of the HCC group suffered from local recurrence after a median of 12 months (1–26) (local recurrence rate 32%). Five patients of the metastases group and six patients of the HCC group developed recurrent tumors in different areas of the ablation site after a median time of 4 months (2–18) (distant intrahepatic recurrence in 55%). Survival at 31 months was 36%.

Conclusion

RFA extends the scope of surgery in some candidates with intraoperatively found irresectability.     

Treatment of liver tumours adjacent to hepatic hilum with percutaneous microwave ablation combined with ethanol injection: A pilot study

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation combined with percutaneous ethanol injection in the treatment of liver tumours adjacent to the hepatic hilum.

Materials and methods: From December 2005 to April 2008, 18 consecutive patients with 18 pathologically proven or clinically diagnosed liver tumours (15 HCCs, three metastatic tumours) adjacent to the hepatic hilum underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation combined with percutaneous ethanol injection. One or two microwave antennae were inserted and placed at designated places in the tumour. One or two ethanol needles were placed at the tumour periphery near the hepatic hilum. An aliquot of 2–10?mL of absolute ethanol was injected into the tumour at the same time as microwave emission. A thermocouple was placed directly abutting the bile ducts of the hepatic hilum to monitor temperature in real time during ablation to avoid thermal injury.

Results: No more than two sessions were performed to complete the treatment (one session for 10 patients, two sessions for eight, mean 1.4 sessions per patient). Complete ablation was achieved in 94.4% (17 out of 18 cases). In a median follow up of 15 months (range 4 to 27 months, mean 13.5 months), no mortality or complications occurred. Local tumour progression was noted in one patient 12 months after treatment.

Conclusion: A combination of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation and percutaneous ethanol injection assisted with real-time temperature monitoring appears to be feasible and effective in the treatment of liver tumours adjacent to the hepatic hilum, and initial experience with safety is promising.     

美蓝染色标记法联合Glisson蒂横断式肝切除与非规则性肝切除治疗肝癌的临床疗效

目的 探讨美蓝染色标记法联合Glisson蒂横断式肝切除与非规则性肝切除治疗肝癌的临床疗效。方法 对美蓝染色标记法联合Glisson蒂横断式肝切除25例（联合组）与非规则性肝切除23例（非规则组）治疗肝癌作前瞻性研究,比较两组患者围手术期情况,包括平均手术时间、术中出血量、术后1 d和4 d AST的水平、肿瘤标本切缘阳性率、并发症发生率、术后1年复发率和1年生存率等,并分析其临床疗效。结果 两组患者均无围手术期死亡病例。联合组平均手术时间较非规则组少［（120.16±15.45） min vs（130.26±8.48） min,t=2.77,P<0.05］;联合组术中出血量较非规则组少［（252.40±81.25） ml vs （493.44±100.96） ml,t=8.42,P<0.05］;联合组术后1 d、4 d AST水平上升幅度较非规则组小［（1 d AST：（143.76±49.48）U/L vs （253.82±77.79） U/L,t=5.90,P<0.05;4 d AST：（79.36±24.51） U/L vs（129.57±45.66） U/L,t=4.80,P<0.05］;肿瘤标本切缘阳性率分别为4.0%和8.7%（P>0.05）;围手术期并发症发生率联合组较非规则组低（12.00% vs 39.13%,P<0.05）;术后1年复发率联合组较非规则组低（20.00% vs 47.83%,P<0.05）;术后1年生存率两组差异无统计学意义（80.00% vs 78.26%,P>0.05）。结论 美蓝染色标记法联合Glisson蒂横断式肝切除较非规则性肝切除治疗肝癌的术中出血量和术后并发症少,患者术后恢复快,复发率低,值得临床推广应用。     

A new microwave applicator for laparoscopic and robotic liver resection

Purpose: Bleeding from parenchyma transection during a robotic hepatic surgery remains the most critical point affecting postoperative recovery and long-term survival. Various robotic devices with different types of energies have been proposed; however, each of these lack in steerability, efficacy, or accuracy. The aim of this work is to evaluate the feasibility and performance of a new steerable microwave resection device intended for minimizing intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic and robotic liver resections.

Methods: The new device operating at 2.45?GHz was designed to accommodate the engineering constraints derived from its use for robotic surgery or laparoscopy, in which a steerable head is required and the internal cooling of forced gas or water is undesirable. The device design, analysis, and optimization were addressed using the most advanced commercial electromagnetic and thermal solvers to achieve the best results. To experimentally validate the results of the numerical analysis, many ablations were performed on a freshly explanted bovine liver by using a single device prototype with three levels of energy supplied to the tissue. During the ablation procedures, the time, temperature, and shape of the thermal lesion were recorded using thermocouples and an infra-red thermos camera.

Summary: Ex vivo tests showed good agreement with the numerical simulations, demonstrating the validity of the simplifications adopted to deal with the complex phenomena involved in the extreme hyperthermia of a living tissue. The high performance, thermal reliability, and robustness of the developed device were also demonstrated along with the possibility of reducing operation time and blood loss.     

微波消融治疗肝癌187例的临床疗效评价研究

目的 本文旨在研究微波消融治疗原发性肝癌的安全性、局部控制率及近期疗效。方法 从2006年1月—2013年1月收集了187例肝癌患者,共209个病灶。其中有112个为邻近肺、膈肌、腹壁、结肠、胃和胆囊区的病灶。对以上209个病灶进行微波消融治疗,病灶平均直径为3.92cm。消融治疗后一个月行增强CT检查,术后每三个月对患者的影像学资料、肝功能、AFP水平及生活质量进行随访,评价其有效性。结果 186个病灶达到完全消融,完全消融率为88.99%。对于＜3cm的病灶完全消融率可达100%。23个病灶消融后出现局部肿瘤进展。17例患者出现临床轻度并发症,轻微并发症发生率约为5.82%。在本研究中未出现死亡及其他严重并发症。结论 对于＜5cm的肝癌病灶,包括对位于特殊危险区域的肝癌病灶进行微波消融是安全可行的;尤其是对于＜3cm的小肝癌患者,微波消融可以显著延长患者生存期。     

The impact of radiofrequency-assisted transection on local hepatic recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Resection is the gold standard in the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer. An internal cooled radiofrequency electrode was described to achieve tissue coagulation to a greater margin width. The aim of this study is to determinate if a RF-assisted transection device (RFAT) has any effect on local hepatic recurrence (LHER) compared to conventional technologies.A study population of 103 patients who had undergone a hepatic surgical resection was retrospectively analysed. Patients were classified into two groups according to the device used: a RF-assisted device (RFAT group; n = 45) and standard conventional devices (control group; n = 58). LHER was defined as any growing or enhancing tumour in the margin of hepatic resection during follow-up. Cox proportional models were constructed and variables were eliminated only if p > 0.20 to protect against residual confounding. To assess the stability of Cox's regression model and its internal validity, a bootstrap investigation was also performed.Baseline and operative characteristics were similar in both groups. With a mean follow-up of 28.5 months (range 2–106), in patients with positive margins, we demonstrated 0% of LHER in RFAT vs. 27% in control group (p = 0.032). In the multivariate analysis five factors demonstrated significant influence on the final model of LHER: RFAT group, size of the largest metastases, number of resected metastases, positive margin and usage of Pringle-manoeuvre.This study suggests that parenchymal transection using a RFAT able to create deep thermal lesions may reduce LHER especially in case of margin invasion during transection.     

Propensity score matching demonstrates similar results for radiofrequency ablation compared to surgical resection in colorectal liver metastases

PurposeMinimally invasive ablative treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), are increasingly used in the curative treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Selection bias plays an important role in the evaluation of early and late results between RFA and surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recurrences and oncological survival following these two treatment modalities using single pair propensity score matching.MethodsBetween 2000 and 2018, patients curatively treated for CRLM were included in a multicentre database. Patients were excluded when receiving two-staged treatment, synchronous treatment with primary tumor or combination of modalities. Propensity score matching was used to minimize influence of known covariates, i.e., age, ASA, FONG CRS, location and T-stage of the primary tumor.ResultsBefore matching, the RFA group contained 39 patients and the surgery group 982 patients, after matching both groups contained 36 patients. After matching, mean age was 69 years (53–86) for RFA and 68 (50–86) for surgery, with a mean tumor size of respectively 2.5 cm (0.8–6.5) and 3.4 cm (1–7.5). Both groups showed similar complication rate according to Clavien-Dindo (17vs.33%; p = 0.18), recurrence rate (58vs.64%; p = 0.09) without significant differences in 5-year DFS and OS (RFA compared to surgery respectively 25vs.37%; p = 0.09 and 42vs.53%; p = 0.09).ConclusionAfter propensity score matching, RFA showed lower complications and similar oncological survival compared to surgical resection. In patients who are suboptimal candidates for surgery, RFA seems to be a good and safe alternative.     

术中超声在冷循环射频治疗肝脏肿瘤中的作用

Objective:To explore the feasibility and efficiency of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) in the cool-tip radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic carcinoma.Methods:Thirty-one patients of hepatic carcinoma were enrolled in this study.In the process of open-surgical cool-tip radiofrequency ablations,tOUS was applied to assess the hepatic lesions,guide and monitor the process of RFA in real-time.Results:Under the guidance of intraoperative ultresonography,the open surgical RFA in all patients proceed smoothly.Seven additional hepatic lesions were found that were not detected in preoperative imaging.A false positive focal lesion reported by preoperative MRI was accurately ruled out by IOUS.Conclusion:Intraoperative ultrasonography is superior to ordinary imaging techniques in finding missed lesions,avoiding complications such as injuries of bile ducts and vessels.Monitoring the real-time RFA process thereby obviously optimizing the treatment of hepatic carcinoma.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation vs. surgical resection for thoracoabdominal wall implants from hepatocellular carcinoma: intermediate-term results

Objective: The aims of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes between ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) and surgical resection (SR) in patients with thoracoabdominal wall implants from hepatocellular carcinom (HCC) and to identify the prognostic factors associated with the two treatment methods.

Materials and methods: A total of 47 patients (mean age, 56.7?±?15.9 years, range, 18–78 years; 34 men and 13 women) with 61 thoracoabdominal wall HCC seeding were included from April 2007 to May 2017. Twenty-five patients underwent US-guided MWA and 22 patients underwent SR. Survival, recurrence and liver function were compared between the two groups. Effect of changes in key parameters (i.e. overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and local tumour reoccurrence-free (LTRF)) was statistically analysed with the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on several clinicopathological variables to identify factors affecting long-term outcome and recurrence.

Results: The OS, DFS and LTRF after MWA were comparable to those of SR (p?=0.493, p?=?0.578 and p?=0.270, respectively). Estimated 5-year overall survival rates were 63% after MWA and 48.1% after SR; for disease-free survival, estimated 5-year rates were 67.5% after MWA and 48.8% after SR; estimated 24-month LTRF rates were 71.3% after MWA and 87.8% after SR. The MWA group had less surgical time (p?=?<0.001), estimated blood loss (p =?<0.001) and post-operative hospitalisation (p?=?0.032) and cost (p?=?0.015). Multivariate analysis showed remnant intrahepatic tumour (p?=0.007), Child Pugh grade (p?=?0.009) and metastasis (p=?<0.001), were predictors for survival rate.

Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA is a safe and effective treatment method for metastatic HCC on the thoracoabdominal wall with similar outcomes to SR. Residual intrahepatic HCC, Child Pugh grade and distant metastasis are predictors for survival.     

Extent of hepatic resection does not correlate with toxicity following adjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: In patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, survival can be increased by hepatic resection. Treatment with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) and systemic chemotherapy following resection may further increase survival and decrease recurrence, but may also result in hepatic and systemic toxicity. This article will address the question of whether large hepatic resections resulting in a greater loss of healthy liver predisposes patients to developing toxicity from the subsequent chemotherapeutic regimens. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 88 patients who underwent liver resection of colorectal metastases followed by adjuvant HAI and systemic chemotherapy and whose computerized tomography (CT) scans were done at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Liver volumes were calculated from CT scans and used to determine the percentage change in healthy liver volume between the pre- and post-operative CT scans. Hepatic and systemic toxicities were defined according to the Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute. RESULTS: Patients experienced a mean percentage decrease in healthy liver tissue of 17% (range: 57% decrease to 32% increase) at an estimated 1 month after resection and at the initiation of chemotherapy. In a logistic regression model using percentage change in the healthy liver volume as a continuous variable, no significant association was revealed between percentage of healthy liver resected and diarrhea (P = 0.47), leukopenia (P = 0.37), neutropenia (P = 0.31), high bilirubin (P = 0.27), or alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: A greater loss of healthy liver following resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer does not seem to predispose to the development of toxicity from adjuvant HAI and systemic chemotherapy.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for hepatic malignancy adjacent to the gallbladder

Abstract

Purpose: The study was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous microwave (MW) ablation for hepatic malignancy adjacent to the gallbladder. Materials and methods: From January 2011 to December 2013, 49 patients with 51 hepatic tumours adjacent to the gallbladder who underwent US-guided percutaneous MW ablation were included in the study group. A total of 106 patients with 117 hepatic tumours not adjacent to the gallbladder who underwent US-guided percutaneous MW ablation were included in the control group. In the study group the temperature of marginal ablation tissue proximal to the gallbladder was monitored and controlled at 45–54?°C for 5–10?min during the ablation. Ethanol (4.5–13?mL) was injected into the marginal tissue in 27 of 51 tumours of the study group. We compared the results of ablation between the two groups. Results: All patients were successfully treated. A total of 47 of 51 tumours in the study group (92.2%) and 110 of 117 tumours in the control group (94.0%) achieved complete ablation (p?=?0.93). Local tumour progression was found in nine (17.6%) tumours in the study group and 15 (12.8%) tumours in the control group during follow-up after MW ablation (p?=?0.41). No peri-procedural major complications occurred in either group. Conclusions: Under strict temperature monitoring, US-guided percutaneous MW ablation assisted with ethanol injection appears to be safe and can achieve a high rate of complete ablation for the treatment of hepatic malignant tumours adjacent to the gallbladder.     

Percutaneous microwave ablation for liver cancer adjacent to the diaphragm

Purpose: The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous microwave (MW) ablation for liver cancer adjacent to the diaphragm.

Materials and methods: From May 2005 to June 2008, 89 patients with 96 hepatic lesions adjacent to the diaphragm (the shortest distance from the lesion margin to the diaphragm less than 5?mm), who underwent ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous MW ablation, were included in the study group. A total of 100 patients with 127 hepatic lesions not adjacent to the diaphragm (the shortest distance from the lesion to the diaphragm and the first or second branch of the hepatic vessels more than 10?mm), who underwent US-guided percutaneous MW ablation, were included in the control group. During the ablation the temperature of marginal ablation tissue proximal to the diaphragm was monitored and controlled at 50°–60°C for more than 10?min in the study group. We compared the results of ablation between the two groups.

Results: A total of 91 of 96 tumours (94.8%) in the study group and 123 of 127 tumours (96.9%) in the control group achieved complete ablation (P?>?0.05). Local tumour progression was found in 18 of 96 tumours (18.8%) in the study group and 21 of 127 tumours (16.5%) in the control group during follow-up after MW ablation (P?>?0.05). No major complications occurred in either group.

Conclusions: Under strict temperature monitoring, percutaneous MW ablation is safe and can achieve a high complete ablation rate for the treatment of hepatic tumours adjacent to the diaphragm.     

Combined liver and inferior vena cava resection for hepatic malignancy

OBJECTIVE: The experience from a single center, in combined liver and inferior vena cava (IVC) resection for liver tumors, is presented. METHODS: Twelve patients underwent a combined liver resection with IVC replacement. The median age was 45 years (range 35-67 years). Resections were carried out for hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 4), colorectal metastases (n = 6), and cholangiocarcinoma (n = 2). Liver resections included eight right lobectomies and four left trisegmentectomies. The IVC was reconstructed with ringed Gore-Tex tube graft. RESULTS: No perioperative deaths were reported. The median operative blood transfusion requirement was 2 units (range 0-12 units) and the median operative time was 5 hr. Median hospital stay was 10 days (range 8-25 days). Three patients had evidence of postoperative liver failure, resolved with supportive management. Two patients developed bile leaks, resolved conservatively. With a median follow up of 24 months, all vascular reconstructions were patent and no evidence of graft infection was documented. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive surgical management of liver tumors, offer the only hope for cure or palliation. We suggest that liver resection with vena cava replacement may be performed safely, with acceptable morbidity, by specialized surgical teams.