Major complications after radio-frequency thermal ablation of hepatic tumors: spectrum of imaging findings.
Although radio-frequency (RF) ablation has been accepted as a promising and safe technique for treatment of unresectable hepatic tumors, investigation of its complications has been limited. According to the multicenter (1,139 patients in 11 institutions) survey data of the Korean Study Group of Radiofrequency Ablation, a spectrum of complications occurred after RF ablation of hepatic tumors. The prevalence of major complications was 2.43%. The most common complications were hepatic abscess (0.66%), peritoneal hemorrhage (0.46%), biloma (0.20%), ground pad burn (0.20%), pneumothorax (0.20%), and vasovagal reflex (0.13%). Other complications were biliary stricture, diaphragmatic injury, gastric ulcer, hemothorax, hepatic failure, hepatic infarction, renal infarction, sepsis, and transient ischemic attack. One procedure-related death (0.09%) occurred (due to peritoneal hemorrhage). Three important strategies for decreasing the rate of complications are prevention, early detection, and proper management. A physician who performs RF ablation of hepatic malignancies should be aware of the broad spectrum of major complications so that these strategies can be used.
Rhim
Hyunchul
H
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hanyang University Hospital, 17 Haengdang-Dong, Sungdong-Ku, Seoul, Korea. rhimhc@hanyang.ac.kr
Yoon
Kwon-Ha
KH
Lee
Jeong Min
JM
Cho
Yoonkoo
Y
Cho
June-Sik
JS
Kim
Seung Hoon
SH
Lee
Won-Jae
WJ
Lim
Hyo Keun
HK
Nam
Gyoung-Jin
GJ
Han
Sang-Suk
SS
Kim
Yun Hwan
YH
Park
Cheol Min
CM
Kim
Pyo Nyun
PN
Byun
Jae-Young
JY
D000368:Aged; D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000453:epidemiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology