Laparoscopic liver resection using radio frequency ablation in a porcine model.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of laparoscopic left lateral lobe resection, using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with internally cooled tip electrodes, in a porcine model.


METHODS
Eight domestic pigs underwent left lateral hepatic lobectomy. RFA was the sole hemostatic method applied throughout the entire operation. After 0, 7, 30, or 120 days the animals were killed in order to study the macroscopic and microscopic findings on the liver edge.


RESULTS
An average of 90 min was enough for the entire operation. No signs of blood loss or infection were observed up to 4 months postoperatively. There was no mortality either during or after surgery. The pathology of the liver revealed the three zone lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates that laparoscopic left lateral lobectomy using RFA is technically feasible hi the porcine model and is proved to be highly effective and safe hemostatic method.
Felekouras
E
E
First Surgical Department, Athens University Medical School, Laikon Hospital, Ag. Thomas 17 Str, Athens, 11527, Greece.
Papaconstantinou
I
I
Pikoulis
E
E
Kontos
M
M
Georgopoulos
S
S
Papalois
A
A
Diamantis
T
T
Bramis
J
J
Papalambros
E
E
Bastounis
E
E
D000818:Animals; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013552:Swine