title: Radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors (II): clinical application and outcomes.
abstract: Radiofrequency ablation is one of the alternatives in the management of liver tumors, especially in patients who are not candidates for surgery. The aim of this article is to review applicability of radiofrequency ablation achieving complete tumor destruction, utility of imaging techniques for patients' follow-up, indications for local ablative procedures, procedure-associated morbidity and mortality, and long-term results in patients with different tumors. The success of local thermal ablation consists in creating adequate volumes of tissue destruction with adequate "clear margin," depending on improved delivery of radiofrequency energy and modulated tissue biophysiology. Different volumes of coagulation necrosis are achieved applying different types of electrodes, pulsing energy sources, utilizing sophisticated ablation schemes. Some additional methods are used to increase the overall deposition of energy through alterations in tissue electrical conductivity, to improve heat retention within the tissue, and to modulate tolerance of tumor tissue to hyperthermia. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound or positron emission tomography are applied to control the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation. The long-term results of radiofrequency ablation are controversial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Kaunas University of Medicine, Eiveniu 2, Kaunas, Lithuania. tvanagas@gmail.com
authors.forename: Tomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vanagas
authors.forename: Antanas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gulbinas
authors.forename: Juozas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pundzius
authors.forename: Giedrius
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barauskas
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003287:Contrast Media; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004566:Electrodes; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply; D008102:Liver Circulation; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008115:Liver Regeneration; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D003287:Contrast Media; D007459:Iodized Oil; D004317:Doxorubicin