title: Multipolar radiofrequency ablation of large hepatic metastases of endocrine tumours.
abstract: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a reliable method of creating thermally induced coagulation necrosis. Local recurrence after RFA of hepatic metastases is directly dependent on tumour size related to the free margin of ablation. To produce larger coagulation volumes a bipolar radiofrequency device was developed that allows the simultaneous activation of three active needles. This technique was used at laparotomy in a patient with liver metastases of an endocrine tumour. Coagulation size up to 12 cm in diameter could be created. The postoperative recovery of the patient was uncomplicated. No local recurrence was seen after 13 months of follow-up with computed tomography scan. The use of simultaneously operated multiple radiofrequency electrodes in a multipolar mode expands the treatment options for patients with large and unresectable intrahepatic metastases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. l.m.veenendaal@chir.azu.nl
authors.forename: Liesbeth M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Veenendaal
authors.forename: Inne H M
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Borel Rinkes
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Hillegersberg
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018761:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed