Hepatic microwave ablation: a review of the histological changes following thermal damage.
Microwave (MW) ablation therapy is a local treatment by which tumours are destroyed by coagulation from the passage of MWs into cells. The aim of this review is to examine histological results obtained from preclinical and clinical studies. A literature search was undertaken for all studies focusing on MW therapy and in which lesions were excised for a complete histopathological examination after treatment. Two main zones were described after ablative therapy (central and transitional). Both corresponded to specific microscopic characteristics and evolved over time in a precise manner. No viable cells even up to 6 cm in diameter were demonstrated in 93% of lesions after treatment. Microwave therapy is a reliable technique under a variety of clinical situations. Future investigations are needed to compare MW with other ablative techniques to identify factors that influence the effectiveness of the various techniques and to determine specific indications.
Gravante
Gianpiero
G
Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK. ggravante@hotmail.com
Ong
Seok L
SL
Metcalfe
Matthew S
MS
Strickland
Andrew
A
Dennison
Ashley R
AR
Lloyd
David M
DM
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011859:Radiography