Radiomorphology of the Habib sealer-induced resection plane during long-time followup: a longitudinal single center experience after 64 radiofrequency-assisted liver resections.
BACKGROUND
Radiofrequency (RF-) assisted liver resection devices like the Habib sealer induce a necrotic resection plane from which a small margin of necrotic liver tissue remains in situ. The aim of the present paper was to report our long-time experience with the new resection method and the morphological characteristics of the remaining necrotic resection plane.


METHODS
64 RF-assisted liver resections were performed using the Habib sealer. Followup was assessed at defined time points.


RESULTS
The postoperative mortality was 3,6% and morbidity was 18%. The followup revealed that the necrotic zone was detectable in all analyzed CT and MRI images as a hypodense structure without any contrast enhancement at all time points, irrespectively of the time interval between resection and examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Liver resection utilizing radiofrequency-induced resection plane coagulation is a safe alternative to the established resection techniques. The residual zone of coagulation necrosis remains basically unchanged during a followup of three years. This has to be kept in mind when evaluating the follow up imaging of these patients.
Kleinert
Robert
R
Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany. robert.kleinert@uk-koeln.de
Wahba
Roger
R
Bangard
Christoph
C
Prenzel
Klaus
K
Hölscher
Arnulf H
AH
Stippel
Dirk
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome