title: Endoscopic perductal electrolytic ablation of the pancreas: experimental studies of morbidity and mortality.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Palliation of pancreatic cancer remains the only option for the majority of patients. Palliative techniques such as surgical bypass and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stenting are not ideal. The 'ideal' palliative technique would combine the efficacy of surgery with the minimal complications of an endoscopic procedure. Endoscopically delivered perductal electrolytic ablation of pancreatic lesions has the potential to meet these criteria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen pigs were used. The pancreatic duct was cannulated with an electrolysis catheter. Animals were randomised to either: controls, treatment 2-week survivor or treatment 8-week survivor. An electrolytic dose was administered to the treatment animals. Post-operatively, serum amylase and leucocyte count were assessed. Pancreata were histologically examined to detect evidence of acute pancreatitis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Electrolysis was well tolerated. There was no difference in post-operative hyperamylasaemia and leucocyte count between the groups. Histological examination showed inflammation at the ablation site at 2 weeks, by 8 weeks this was replaced by scarring.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that endoscopic perductal electrolytic ablation of the pancreas is feasible and safe. Biochemical and histological findings indicate self-limiting localised inflammation of the pancreas. This technique may have a role in the palliation of pancreatic cancer and warrants further investigation.
authors.affiliation: University of Adelaide, Department of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Court
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Teague
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Metcalfe
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Wemyss-Holden
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Texler
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Dennison
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Maddern
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000628:therapy* / Q000662:veterinary; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004572:Electrolysis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D009017:Morbidity; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy* / Q000662:veterinary; D011897:Random Allocation; D013552:Swine