Necrotizing pancreatitis after radiofrequency destruction of pancreatic tumours.
BACKGROUND
Intraoperative radiofrequency (RF) can be used to treat multiple small pancreatic tumours.


METHODS
Two patients with multiple pancreatic metastases from renal cancer were treated with RF destruction of the pancreatic tumours. The first was treated with a monopolar device and the second with a bipolar device. A high temperature (>90 degrees C) was used, and one patient underwent cooling of the intrapancreatic common bile duct.


RESULTS
The destruction of tumours was effective. However, the two patients presented post-operatively a severe necrotizing pancreatitis, with life-threatening hemorrhagic complications.


CONCLUSIONS
RF destruction of pancreatic tumours is dangerous with current devices.
Elias
D
D
Department of Surgical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Institute, 39 Rue Camille Desmoulins, 94805 Villejuif, Cedex, France. elias@igr.fr
Baton
O
O
Sideris
L
L
Lasser
P
P
Pocard
M
M
D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D019283:Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / Q000209:etiology*