title: The use of a "liquid" electrode in hepatic electrolysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of direct current electrolysis as a local nonthermal ablative technique for colorectal liver metastases promises to be a simple, safe, and effective therapy. Under general anesthesia, electrolysis is presently limited to tumors smaller than 5 cm, due to the protracted nature of its administration. In an attempt to enhance the effect of electrolysis, a direct current was passed through a preinjected bolus of acetic acid.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effect of a combination of electrolysis and an injection of acetic acid was tested in the liver of eight normal pigs. The volumes of necrosis caused were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acetic acid independently produced a volume of necrosis but did not provide a volumetric or rate advantage when used in combination with a direct current. Statistically, the only main effect on the volume of necrosis was a result of electrolysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of 50% acetic acid to augment the efficacy of direct current electrolysis cannot be recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia 5011, Australia.
authors.forename: J Guy
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Finch
authors.forename: Beverley G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Fosh
authors.forename: Adrian A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Anthony
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Texler
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: Ashley R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Dennison
authors.forename: Guy J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Maddern
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D004566:Electrodes; D004572:Electrolysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D007267:Injections; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D019342:Acetic Acid