Electrolytic ablation as an adjunct to liver resection: experimental studies of predictability and safety.
BACKGROUND
Combined liver resection and local ablation may offer the only chance of cure to patients with liver metastases who are presently deemed unresectable because of a single awkwardly placed metastasis. By definition, such a metastasis is often close to a major vein. An ablative technique is needed that is both predictable and safe in such a circumstance.


METHODS
Electrolytic liver lesions were created in 21 pigs using platinum electrodes, connected to a direct current generator. Both electrolytic 'dose' and electrode separation were varied to produce different sized lesions. The 'dose' was correlated with the volume of necrosis and any vascular damage was determined histologically.


RESULTS
There was a significant (P < 0.001) correlation between the electrolytic 'dose' and the volume of liver necrosis. For a given 'dose' the volume of necrosis was less when the electrodes were together, rather than separated. Liver enzymes were only transiently deranged. There were no significant vascular injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Predictable and reproducible necrosis is produced by electrolysis in the pig liver. The treatment appears to cause little or no damage to immediately adjacent liver or major vascular structures and, when combined with resection, may offer the chance of a cure to many patients who are currently unresectable.
Wemyss-Holden
S A
SA
University of Adelaide Department of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia 5011, Australia.
Dennison
A R
AR
Finch
G J
GJ
Hall Pd
P de la M
Pde L
Maddern
G J
GJ
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism; D004566:Electrodes; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D009336:Necrosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013552:Swine; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism
D004573:Electrolytes; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase