Radiofrequency ablation followed by resection of malignant liver tumors.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has recently been used to treat liver tumors, but few clinical reports have described the pathological characteristics of radiofrequency ablation in human specimens. This study delineates the gross pathologic and histochemical changes induced by RFA in benign and malignant human liver tissue and confirms the tumor necrosis described in early clinical reports. METHODS: Ten patients with metastatic tumors of the liver received a single treatment of ultrasound-guided percutaneous RFA to 12 tumors. Hepatic resection was carried out within 6 weeks of RFA. Specimens were stained with standard hematoxylin and eosin stain followed by oxidative stain to determine if there was evidence of viable tumor within the zone of ablation. RESULTS: Nine of the 12 ablations were resected. Microscopic examination within the zone of ablation showed successful ablation in 8 of the 9 resected ablations. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous RFA creates well-circumscribed areas of tumor necrosis with apparent cell death using an oxidative stain. Further investigation is encouraged to determine the clinical effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation in the complete destruction of liver tumors for palliative or curative intent.     

射频消融术和腹腔镜手术治疗原发性小肝癌的前瞻性对照研究

目的探讨射频消融术与腹腔镜手术治疗原发性小肝癌的临床疗效和安全性。 方法选取2013年6月至2016年6月105例原发性小肝癌患者为研究对象,将患者按住院号用随机数字表法随机分为射频消融组54例、腹腔镜组51例,采用SPSS19.0软件包对数据进行分析,术中术后和肝功能情况采用( ±s)描述,组间比较采用独立t检验;并发症组间比较采用χ²检验;P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果射频消融组的手术时间、术中出血量、术中输液量、住院日优于腹腔镜手术组(P<0.05);两组在术后1个月的ALT和AST水平均较术前降低(P<0.05),射频消融组显著低于腹腔镜组(P<0.05);所有患者术后随访1～3年,射频消融组在术后的无瘤生存时间和总体生存时间显著优于腹腔镜手术组(P<0.05);两组术后并发症差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论和腹腔镜手术比较,射频消融术在原发性小肝癌治疗上安全性高,术后肝功能恢复快,可以提高患者术后生存质量。     

Consequences of needle tract seeding of hepatocellular cancer after liver transplant

Although liver biopsy is a relatively safe procedure, needle tract seeding (NTS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is described in up to 5% of patients after liver biopsy. The rate of NTS in patients with HCC who had liver transplantation is unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of 759 HCC cases from August 1992 to August 2011. Demographics, ethnicities, risk factors, tumor characteristics, treatments, recurrence, and survival were collected. Patients who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy, resection, and transplant were identified. In all, 359 underwent biopsy to diagnose HCC and 42 patients underwent liver transplant. None of 171 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation alone had seeding. None of the 11 patients who had biopsy and radiofrequency ablation performed in a single session developed NTS; however, two of 12 patients who had biopsy and radiofrequency ablation performed at separate sessions had NTS. Two patients underwent liver transplantation and subsequently developed needle tract seeding eventually died from HCC. Although the incidence of needle tract seeding was low in liver transplant patients, it can potentially change a curative therapy into a non‐curative one. Single‐session liver biopsy and radiofrequency ablation may reduce the risk of needle tract seeding of HCC.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation of liver tumors: a technical report

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation has been performed for liver tumors by percutaneous, laparoscopic, or open surgical approaches. Each approach has specific advantages and disadvantages. Herein we describe a new technique for hand-assisted laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation of liver tumors. A hand-access device is placed at the right or central portion of the abdomen, in addition to standard trocars. A conventional intraoperative ultrasound probe, with an ultrasound guidance system attached, is inserted into the peritoneal cavity together with the surgeon's hand. After pneumoperitoneum is established, an electrode-cannula for thermal ablation is introduced subcostally or intercostally, and advanced into a liver tumor under direct guidance by intraoperative ultrasound. We have used this technique in eight patients with unresectable liver tumors. Precise guidance of the cannula into tumors was possible. All tumors were well ablated. The postoperative recovery of patients was of shorter duration compared with that of an open surgical approach. A hand-assisted laparoscopic ultrasound-guided method has advantages of both laparoscopic and open surgical approaches for radiofrequency thermal ablation treatment of liver tumors. Accurate cannula insertion is possible with the ultrasound guidance system. The hand-assisted laparoscopic approach can become an additional useful technique, particularly as a valuable alternative to an open surgical method, for performing radiofrequency thermal ablation.     

原发性肝癌术后复发行经皮肝穿刺新型射频治疗的疗效分析

目的观察原发性肝癌术后复发行经皮肝穿刺新型射频治疗的疗效,探讨新型射频在治疗原发性肝癌术后复发的应用。方法在B超引导下,将射频电极针经皮穿刺入肝肿瘤内,对其进行原位毁损消融。结果28例患者共34个病灶中：直径≤3cm的23个瘤体,21个完全毁损,热毁损率为91．3％;直径为3～5cm的11个瘤体中8个瘤体获得完全毁损,热毁损率为72．7％。术后无严重并发症发生。术后6、12个月无瘤生存率分别为75％、53．6％;术后6、12、18个月生存率分别为100％,96．4％,92．9％。结论经皮肝穿刺射频消融术对于原发性肝癌术后复发疗效可靠,是一种安全、有效治疗肝癌术后复发的方法。     

入肝血流阻断下射频消融后毁损灶周围肝组织的病理变化

目的:评估血流阻断射频术后毁损灶周围正常肝脏组织的病理变化。方法:兔VX2肝肿瘤接种成功后分为单独射频组与射频联合入肝血流阻断组(联合射频组)。射频采用冷循环射频消融治疗(参数设定为30 W,8 min),入肝血流阻断采用Pringle法。1周后处死动物,通过HE染色观察术后毁损灶周围肝脏组织的病理变化。结果:与单独射频组比较,联合射频组毁损灶周边正常肝组织内中央静脉及Glisson鞘周围可见大量炎症细胞聚集,且肝细胞肿胀,门静脉、中央静脉扩张、胆管上皮增生等病理变化均更明显(均P<0.05)。结论:血流阻断后射频对毁损灶周围正常肝组织的病理损害较单独射频的损害严重。     

Radiofrequency ablation lesions in a pig liver model.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been reported as a means of liver tumor destruction. This study evaluates the use of ultrasound monitoring of radiofrequency lesion creation and describes the morphology, histologic characteristics, and vascular effects of radiofrequency ablations in a pig liver model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hemodynamic monitoring was established and laparotomies were performed in 50-kg pigs. Under ultrasound guidance, radiofrequency needle probes were placed in the liver at predetermined locations. Radiofrequency energy was applied over 15 min to generate lesions 3 cm in diameter. Eighty lesions were generated in 10 animals. At the completion of the experiment, the lesions were examined with ultrasound and then excised for CT, gross, and histologic examination. RESULTS: There were no adverse systemic effects. Ultrasound imaging demonstrated the size, shape, and position of the lesions. Gross examination demonstrated a core of ablated tissue with a surrounding 1- to 2-mm hemorrhagic perimeter. Lesion volumes averaged 12.8 cc(3) (range 5-34 cc(3)). Final lesion shape and size were frequently altered by the cooling effect of local blood flow. Histologic stains demonstrated microvascular thrombosis and coagulative necrosis within the lesions. There appeared to be 100% cellular destruction within the lesion by cytochemical staining. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that RF ablation is capable of killing large volumes of normal liver tissue; however, local vasculature plays a significant a role in defining the ultimate size and shape of the lesion created. This may interfere with the utility of radiofrequency ablation as a modality for local tumor control.     

人工注射局部水囊技术辅助超声引导射频消融治疗高危部位肝肿瘤的临床研究

目的 探讨人工注射局部水囊技术辅助超声引导射频消融治疗高危部位肝肿瘤的安全性和临床疗效.方法 超声引导下用介入穿刺针从体表穿刺进入肝脏与紧要器官间隙,注入生理盐水500～1000 ml,形成人工水囊间隔带,将肝脏与邻近器官隔开,对14例患者共20个病灶行经皮超声引导射频消融治疗,术后1个月复查增强CT评价疗效.结果 1个月后肿瘤影像学评价,20个病灶中,16个完全消融,坏死率达80％.无严重并发症发生.6个月内复发2例,1年内复发3例,其中出现新病灶2例,原来坏死病灶再次强化伴CEA增高3例,全组病例目前存活9例,随访时间最长20个月,最短7个月,平均生存期10个月.结论 人工注射局部水囊技术辅助超声引导射频消融治疗高危部位肝肿瘤近期疗效确切,是一种安全、微创、有效的方法.     

腹腔镜联合经皮超声射频消融治疗肝细胞肝癌的疗效探讨

目的:探讨腹腔镜联合经皮超声射频消融术治疗肝癌的临床应用价值。方法:2011年5月至2015年10月为56例肝癌患者行腹腔镜下联合经皮超声射频消融术,记录术后肝功能、甲胎蛋白、生命体征及1个月后影像学检查结果。结果:56例患者、108个病灶均完成射频消融治疗,术后无针道出血、肝功能衰竭及邻近脏器损伤等严重并发症发生,102个病灶消融满意,6个病灶周围有残存,2个病灶在超声造影指引下予以再次消融,4个病灶在CT引导下再次消融,再次消融效果满意。结论:腹腔镜联合经皮超声射频消融治疗特殊部位的肝癌具有消融完全,避免针道出血、周围脏器损伤等特点,具有良好的临床应用价值。     

Complications from radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases

The objective of this study is to evaluate complications from radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases. Eighty-one liver tumors in 38 consecutive patients were treated with radiofrequency ablation. All patients had one to six metastases treated in a single session. Eight patients underwent radiofrequency ablation intraoperatively after laparotomy and the remaining 30 patients were treated percutaneously with CT or ultrasound guidance. A total of 43 radiofrequency ablation procedures were studied. There was one (2%) mortality related to a hepatic abscess development 8 days after the procedure. One patient (3%) required a blood transfusion. Three patients (8%) developed severe upper abdominal or pleuritic chest pain that persisted several days after the procedure. We conclude that radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases is associated with a low rate of serious complications (two of 38; 5%). Complications requiring treatment usually develop several days after the procedure.     

Indications for hand-assisted laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation for liver tumors

PURPOSE: Radiofrequency ablation has established itself as the preferred treatment for irresectable liver tumors. It can be performed either percutaneously, laparoscopically, or by open surgery. The choice of approach depends on the patient and tumor-related variables. The laparoscopic approach appears to be the safest and most effective method for small tumors on the liver surface. It also provides additional information on the intrahepatic tumor burden with the use of intraoperative ultrasound and staging laparoscopy. Furthermore, the pneumoperitoneum reduces the flow of the portal vein and increases the efficacy of the ablation. Depending on the location of the tumor, mobilization of the liver or lysis of adhesions from previous surgery can require open surgery. Our aim was to study the combined use of laparoscopy and laparotomy by using hand-assisted laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed hand-assisted laparoscopy to ablate nine tumors in seven patients, enabling us to combine most of the advantages of laparoscopy and open surgery. The radiofrequency ablation was technically simple to perform. A laparoscopy of the entire abdominal cavity and a thorough examination of the entire liver via ultrasound was also performed. RESULTS: The electrode was accurately placed in all patients. In four patients, a complete mobilization of the right lobe was performed to obtain the easiest possible access to the tumor. In three patients, severe adhesions from previous surgeries were removed prior to insertion of the laparoscopic tools. The ablation was completed safely and successfully in all patients. CONCLUSION: Our overall impression of the hand-assisted laparoscopic approach is that it seems to have a major advantage in comparison with simple laparoscopy, specifically for adhesions from previous surgeries and when the right liver lobe requires mobilization. Also, needle placement seems to be far more accurate than with simple laparoscopy.     

Results of a single-center experience with resection and ablation for sarcoma metastatic to the liver

HYPOTHESIS: A subset of patients with sarcoma liver metastasis may benefit from hepatic resection and/or ablation. DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected cancer center database records. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients who underwent hepatic resection and/or open radiofrequency ablation of metastatic sarcoma between July 1, 1996, and April 30, 2005, were identified from the database. Clinicopathologic, operative, recurrence, and long-term survival data were analyzed. RESULTS: The primary sarcoma site was the abdomen or retroperitoneum (n = 22), stomach (n = 18), small or large bowel (n = 17), pelvis (n = 4), uterus (n = 3), or other (n = 2). Tumor pathologic types included gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 36), leiomyosarcoma (n = 18), and sarcoma not otherwise classified (n = 12). Thirty-five patients underwent resection, 18 underwent resection plus radiofrequency ablation, and 13 underwent radiofrequency ablation only. With a median follow-up of 35.8 months, 44 patients (66.7%) had recurrence (intrahepatic only, n = 16; extrahepatic only, n = 11; both, n = 17). Treatment with radiofrequency ablation (either alone or combined with resection) (P = .002) and lack of adjuvant chemotherapy (P = .01) predicted shorter disease-free survival. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 91.2%, 65.4%, and 27.1%, respectively. Patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor who were treated with adjuvant imatinib mesylate had the longest median survival (not reached) (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival can be achieved following surgical treatment of sarcoma liver metastasis, especially in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Patients with sarcoma liver metastasis should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, as recurrence is common and adjuvant therapy may prolong survival.     

Comparison of resection and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of solitary colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND: Liver resection is the treatment of choice for patients with solitary colorectal liver metastases. In recent years, however, radiofrequency ablation has been used increasingly in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, this study aimed to compare outcome in patients with solitary colorectal liver metastases treated by surgery or by radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Solitary colorectal liver metastases were treated by radiofrequency destruction in 25 patients. The indications were extrahepatic disease in seven, vessel contiguity in nine and co-morbidity in nine patients. Outcome was compared with that of 20 patients who were treated by liver resection for solitary metastases and had no evidence of extrahepatic disease. Most patients in both groups also received systemic chemotherapy. RESULTS: Median survival after liver resection was 41 (range 0-97) months with a 3-year survival rate of 55.4 per cent. There was one postoperative death and morbidity was minimal. Median survival after radiofrequency ablation was 37 (range 9-67) months with a 3-year survival rate of 52.6 per cent. CONCLUSION: Survival after resection and radiofrequency ablation of solitary colorectal liver metastases was comparable. The latter is less invasive and requires either an overnight stay or day-case facilities only.     

Development of a perfused ex vivo tumor-mimic model for the training of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation

Background Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective method for tumor destruction in patients with unresectable liver tumors. However, accurate probe placement using laparoscopic ultrasound guidance is required to achieve complete tumor ablation. This study aimed to develop a perfusable ex vivo tumor-mimic model for laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation training. Methods After rinsing the prepared liver vessels with anticoagulants, porcine livers were perfused. Tumor-mimics were created by injecting a mixture consisting of 3% agarose, 3% cellulose, 7% glycerol, and 0.05% methylene blue, creating hyperechoic lesions in ultrasound. Heparinized porcine blood was used as perfusion medium. Continuous perfusion of the porcine liver was provided by connection of a pump system to the portal vein and the vena cava inferior. Laparoscopic RFA techniques were taught using a laparoscopic pelvi-trainer. Results A total of 30 laparoscopic ablations were performed in four porcine livers. The simulated “tumors” were clearly visible on laparoscopic ultrasound and not felt during placement of the RFA probe. In addition, color duplex ultrasound showed clear signals indicating for a sufficient liver perfusion. Conclusion Laparoscopic RFA requires advanced laparoscopic ultrasound skills for an accurate placement of the RFA probe. The perfused tumor-mimic model presented is a safe, easy, effective, and economic method to improve and train laparoscopic RFA skills on porcine liver tissue.     

Radiofrequency Ablation of Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma: Technique,Complications, and Midterm Outcome

ObjectivesTo determine the therapeutic effect of radiofrequency ablation of metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with respect to complications and local tumor control.MethodsSixty-six radiofrequency ablations under computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy control were performed in 38 patients with metastatic RCC. The ablation was performed for local tumor volume reduction in 7 patients and for complete local tumor control in 31 patients. Sites of ablation included the liver (39), lung (11), kidney (11), adrenal glands (2), and lymph nodes or soft tissue (3). CT scanning was performed immediately after the ablation procedure and at 3, 6, 12,18, and 24 mo during the follow-up period. Size of the target lesion, ablation duration and temperature, and complications associated with the ablation procedure and rate of local recurrence were recorded.ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 10 mo (median: 12 mo; range: 3–47 mo), no complications were observed except two pneumothoraces that did not require further intervention. The average metastasis size was 7.9 cm in patients treated for volume reduction and 2.3 cm in patients treated for local tumor control. One local recurrence in the kidney, caused by incorrect needle placement during the ablation procedure, was detected on the first imaging control. The average ablation duration per metastasis was 11.5 min; a mean temperature of 70.5 °C was reached in the target lesion.ConclusionsPercutaneous radiofrequency ablation represents a safe treatment technique for metastases from RCC. Indications in selected patients may be both tumor volume reduction and complete ablation of the metastatic site.     

经皮射频消融术与腹腔镜肝切除术治疗原发性小肝癌的疗效及预后比较

目的:比较经皮射频消融术与腹腔镜肝切除术治疗原发性小肝癌的疗效及预后。方法:回顾性分析2012年1月—2014年12月间收治的140例原发性小肝癌患者资料,其中80例行射频消融术(消融组),60例行腹腔镜肝切除术(腔镜组)。比较两组患者术后血清肝功能指标与肿瘤标志物水平的变化、并发症发生率、根治率、复发率及生存率。结果:术前两组的基线资料、肝功能指标及肿瘤标志物水平均无统计学差异(均P0.05)。术后消融组肝功能指标先升后降,腔镜组则呈持续降低,消融组术后短期内丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶水平均明显高于腔镜组(均P0.05);两组术后肿瘤标志物水平均逐渐降低,两组间差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。消融组术后并发症发生率明显低于腔镜组(3.75%vs. 20.00%,P=0.002)。两组根治率、复发率以及1、2、3年总生存率和无瘤生存率均无统计学差异(均P0.05)。结论:两种手术方式对原发性小肝癌的疗效及预后无统计学差异,射频消融术后并发症较少,但对短期肝功能存在一定损害。     

射频消融治疗老年肝脏肿瘤(附126例临床分析)

目的探讨射频消融(radiofrequency ablation,RFA)治疗老年肝肿瘤患者的安全性。方法对126例老年肝肿瘤患者进行了161次RFA治疗,临床观察治疗后其对机体的反应、并发症发生及防治情况。结果并发症发生率7.1%(9/126),其中皮肤烧伤3例,胸腔积液2例,肝功能不全2例,结肠穿孔1例,皮下出血1例,无临床死亡病例。结论射频消融治疗老年肝肿瘤是一种较安全的方法,对机体影响轻微。     

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas by thermal ablation and hepatic transarterial chemoembolization

Local tumor recurrence after thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can impact on overall survival and are very closely linked to partial treatment of the primary lesion or to potential microvascular invasion or satellite micronodules located close to the main lesion. The diagnosis of these liver metastases close to the primary lesion on CT and MRI is difficult and their incidence, number and spread throughout the liver correlates with diameter of primary tumor. Tumor diameter is currently the key factor to predict whether or not thermal ablation of HCC will be complete or not. It has now been shown for monopolar radiofrequency ablation that this therapy alone is sufficient to effectively treat single HCCs < 3 cm in diameter provided that liver micrometastases are not present. If the HCC is >3 cm in size, multifocal or in the case of tumor recurrence, overall survival and recurrence-free survival results are better if monopolar radiofrequency ablation is combined with hepatic trans-arterial chemoembolization. The timing of this combination of treatments probably influences its effectiveness on tumor and tolerability and remains to be assessed.     

Pulmonary hemorrhage after radioablation of liver metastases

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of primary or secondary liver neoplasm is a minimally invasive new technique that is useful in high-risk surgical patients. We describe a case of pulmonary hemorrhage in a patient undergoing percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases under general anesthesia. The patient subsequently had an uneventful recovery. We believe that radiofrequency energy caused injury to the diaphragm, pleura, and lung tissue.     

�ΰ���Ƶ�������ƺ���ѡ��������

??Current indications and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of liver cancer ZHANG Jie??CHEN Min-shan. Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery??Cancer Center??Sun Yat-sen University??Guangzhou 510060??China
Corresponding author??CHEN Min-shan??E-mail??cms64@163.com
Abstract Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted as one of the curative therapies for small liver cancer, following liver resection and transplantation with its development and clinical application in liver cancer over 20 years. The published experts’ statement in China has confirmed the impartment role of RFA in the treatment of liver cancer and defined that RFA can be used as a curative treatment for single tumor ≤5 cm or tumor number ≤3 and each ≤3 cm, and as a palliative or combined treatment for unresectable single tumor >5 cm or multiple tumors >3 cm. Laparoscopic RFA is superior to percutaneous RFA for tumors in unfavorable location. RFA combined with disconnection is an effective treatment for patients with liver cancer and portal hypertension. Combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), RFA can improve its ablative region, complete ablation rate and prognosis.