title: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the pancreas: An experimental study with pathological correlation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The treatment of pancreatic cancer represents a major objective in clinical research, as it still remains the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women, with approximately 6% of all cancer-related deaths.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied the assessment of an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) probe through a 19G needle in order to achieve a desirable necrosis area in the pancreas. Radiofrequency ablation of the head of the pancreas was performed on 10 Yorkshire pigs with a weight between 25 kg and 35 kg and a length of 40-70 cm. Using an EUS-guided RFA experimental probe, we ablated an area of 2-3 cm width. The biological samples were harvested after 3 days and 5 days and necropsy was performed 1 week after the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All pigs showed no significant change regarding their behavior and no signs of complication was encountered. Blood analysis revealed increased values of amylase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase on the 3rd day but a decrease on the 5th day. After necropsy and isolation of the pancreas, the ablated area was easily found, describing a solid necrosis. The pathological examination revealed a coagulative necrosis area with minimal invasion and inflammatory tissue at about 2 cm surrounding the lesion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EUS-RFA is a feasible technique and might represent a promising therapy for the future treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, further studies are necessary to investigate EUS-guided RFA as an option for palliation in pancreatic cancer until it can be successfully used in human patients.
authors.forename: Ungureanu Bogdan
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Silviu
authors.forename: Pirici
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.forename: Mărgăritescu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Claudiu
authors.forename: Larisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Săndulescu
authors.forename: Fronie
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Simona
authors.forename: Pătraşcu
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ştefan
authors.forename: Şurlin
authors.initials: Ş
authors.lastname: Valeriu
authors.affiliation: Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Craiova, Romania; Department of Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark, .
authors.forename: Săftoiu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Adrian