R
Roger
Guest
Indian J Gastroenterol. 2003 May-Jun;22(3):91-3.
Radiofrequency tissue ablation: an early Indian experience.
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, Bhopal Memorial Hospital and
Research Center, Bhopal.
INTRODUCTION: Radiofrequency (RF) tissue ablation has been tried safely and effectively in the West
as percutaneous local tissue ablation therapy. We present our experience with this technique in
malignant lesions. METHODS: RF tumor ablation was done using an RF generator (Berchtold; Germany)
generating 35-50 RF watts of power output. The RF needle was placed in the tumor under image
guidance (n = 22) or at open surgery (n = 1). Around 1500 watts/cm3 RF energy was delivered to the
tumor. Over 21 months, 23 patients underwent the procedure for 73 lesions, including metastatic
liver lesions (n = 21) and locally advanced inoperable carcinoma of pancreas (n = 2). RESULTS: All
lesions less than 3 cm in size (n = 15) and 39% of lesions 3-4 cm in size (17/44) had complete
necrosis. Residual tumor was seen in 27/44 lesions (61%) 3-4 cm in size and in all 14 lesions more
than 4 cm in size. There was no mortality or major morbidity. There were two minor complications
(ascites 1, pleural effusion 1). Of 21 patients treated for liver metastases, 10 are still alive (6-
month survival 19/21 [90%] and 12-month survival 11/17 [64.7%]). Only 2 of 32 (6.2%) lesions with
complete necrosis had local recurrence. CONCLUSION: RF tumor ablation is a safe and effective local
tissue ablative method in Indian patients.
Radiofrequency tissue ablation: an early Indian experience.
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, Bhopal Memorial Hospital and
Research Center, Bhopal.
INTRODUCTION: Radiofrequency (RF) tissue ablation has been tried safely and effectively in the West
as percutaneous local tissue ablation therapy. We present our experience with this technique in
malignant lesions. METHODS: RF tumor ablation was done using an RF generator (Berchtold; Germany)
generating 35-50 RF watts of power output. The RF needle was placed in the tumor under image
guidance (n = 22) or at open surgery (n = 1). Around 1500 watts/cm3 RF energy was delivered to the
tumor. Over 21 months, 23 patients underwent the procedure for 73 lesions, including metastatic
liver lesions (n = 21) and locally advanced inoperable carcinoma of pancreas (n = 2). RESULTS: All
lesions less than 3 cm in size (n = 15) and 39% of lesions 3-4 cm in size (17/44) had complete
necrosis. Residual tumor was seen in 27/44 lesions (61%) 3-4 cm in size and in all 14 lesions more
than 4 cm in size. There was no mortality or major morbidity. There were two minor complications
(ascites 1, pleural effusion 1). Of 21 patients treated for liver metastases, 10 are still alive (6-
month survival 19/21 [90%] and 12-month survival 11/17 [64.7%]). Only 2 of 32 (6.2%) lesions with
complete necrosis had local recurrence. CONCLUSION: RF tumor ablation is a safe and effective local
tissue ablative method in Indian patients.