Analysis on severe complications of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatic malignancy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the prevention and treatment of severe complications of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation(PRFA)for hepatic malignancy. Methods A series of 939 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma or hepatic metastasis confirmed by pathological examinations or clinical manifestations underwent 1098 treatments of PRFA between January 2006 and December 2009. All the patients were followed up to study the short-or long-term complications related to PRFA. Results Complications developed in 9 patients bile duct injury (4 patients), hemothorax (2 patients), and intra-abdominal hemorrhage (3 patients). The incidence of complication was 0.82% (9/1098) and the complication-related mortality was 11.1% (1/9). Conclusions Although PRFA which is minimally invasive, is a safe and effective treatment, there were still risks for this procedure, especially when the tumor is located at the portahepatic region or the patient has coagulopathy. Some serious complications can be prevented. It is important to observe the strict indications for RFA and to carry out the procedure carefully. Early detection of complication is important.