Percutaneous sonographically guided radiofrequency ablation with artificial pleural effusion for hepatocellular carcinoma located under the diaphragm.
OBJECTIVE
Sonographically guided radiofrequency ablation is usually one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the localization of the tumor is a major limiting factor in the use of a sonographically guided procedure. In our experience, sonographic examination with artificial pleural effusion has improved the visualization of hepatocellular carcinomas under the diaphragm. We investigated the safety, benefits, and local efficacy of radiofrequency ablation with artificial pleural effusion.


METHODS
Twenty-five lesions in 23 patients were treated using radiofrequency ablation with artificial pleural effusion, for which 5% glucose solution was injected into the pleural cavity.


RESULTS
Artificial pleural effusion allowed us to visualize the whole tumor on gray-scale sonography in 22 lesions that were not detectable or were poorly visible and to obtain a safer and easier puncture line in 14 lesions. In 23 (92%) of the 25 lesions, artificial pleural effusion was helpful in performing percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Complete necrosis after radiofrequency ablation was obtained in 22 (88%) of the 25 lesions. During a mean (+/- SD) follow-up period of 10.6 +/- 6.5 months, local recurrence at the ablation site was diagnosed in only one (4.5%) of the 22 lesions. Mild cough in three patients and mild dyspnea in two patients were observed as adverse effects of artificial pleural effusion, but these effects were temporary. Oxygen saturation of the blood during artificial pleural effusion was slightly decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency ablation with artificial pleural effusion is a safe and beneficial treatment option that offers excellent local control through visualization of hepato-cellular carcinomas under the diaphragm.
Koda
Masahiko
M
Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8504, Tottori, Japan. masakoda@grape.med.tottori-u.ac.jp
Ueki
Masaru
M
Maeda
Yoshiko
Y
Mimura
Ken-ichi
K
Okamoto
Kinya
K
Matsunaga
Yoshiko
Y
Kawakami
Manri
M
Hosho
Keiko
K
Murawaki
Yoshikazu
Y
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion; D014463:Ultrasonography