The use of a "liquid" electrode in hepatic electrolysis.
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.
Finch
J Guy
JG
Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia 5011, Australia.
Fosh
Beverley G
BG
Anthony
Adrian A
AA
Texler
Michael
M
Pearson
Susan
S
Dennison
Ashley R
AR
Maddern
Guy J
GJ
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
D019342:Acetic Acid