Microwave ablation of lung tumours: single-centre preliminary experience.
OBJECTIVE
This study was done to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of microwave (MW) ablation of lung tumours.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients underwent percutaneous MW ablation of 26 intraparenchymal pulmonary masses. All patients were judged to be inoperable on the basis of tumour stage, comorbidities, advanced age and/or refusal to undergo surgery. Ablation was performed using a microwave generator (Evident Microwave Ablation System, Covidien Ltd., Dublin). Lesions with a diameter ≤ 3 cm were treated with a single antenna, lesions with a diameter >3 cm were treated by positioning two or more antennae, simultaneously. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) follow-up with and without contrast administration at 1, 3 and 6 months and then yearly in combination with complete blood and metabolic tests.


RESULTS
Technical success was 100 %. No major complications were recorded. Asymptomatic grade-1 pneumothorax was recorded in 9 patients (37.5 %). One case of asymptomatic pleural effusion and one of haemoptysis, not requiring transfusion, were observed. No patients were diagnosed with a post-ablation syndrome. Complete necrosis was observed in 16 of 26 lesions (61.6 %). Partial necrosis was obtained in 30.8 % (8/26 lesions); in one case (3.8 %) a progression of the disease was recorded and in another case (3.8 %) a stability was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary experience may be considered in accordance with literature dates, in terms of efficacy and safety.
Unit of Radiology, Uninsubria, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, Italy, gcarraf@gmail.com.
Gianpaolo
G
Carrafiello
Monica
M
Mangini
Federico
F
Fontana
Anna Maria
AM
Ierardi
Giuseppe
G
De Marchi
Nicola
N
Rotolo
Claudio
C
Chini
Salvatore
S
Cuffari
Carlo
C
Fugazzola
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids
D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; C044834:iodixanol