Microwave versus saline-linked radiofrequency (Aquamantys) assisted liver resection in a porcine liver resection model. A safety and feasibility pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility, efficacy and safety of microwave ablation and saline-linked radiofrequency (Aquamantys) in liver resection.


METHODS
Sixteen domestic pigs (8 per group) underwent thermoablations. Group A consisted of 8 pigs in which microwave left lateral liver resection was performed. Group B consisted of 8 pigs which underwent left lateral liver resection by the Aquamantys system. After 28 days of close follow-up, the animals were sacrificed in order to study the macroscopic and microscopic findings of each intervention on the liver edge.


RESULTS
An average of 47.13 min was enough for the entire operation to take place using Aquamantys, whereas an average of 59.13 min was needed in the microwave liver resection group. Mean blood loss was 40 ml (range 5-85) with Aquamantys whereas mean blood loss was 72.37 ml (range 42-100) using microwave. Postoperative complications rates were extremely low in both groups. There was no intra- or postoperative mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated that left lateral liver resection using Aquamantys system is technically feasible in the porcine model and proved to be highly effective and a safer hemostatic method compared to microwave ablation.
1st Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Dimitrios
D
Kaparelos
Demetrios
D
Moris
Michalis
M
Kontos
Alexandros
A
Papalampros
Athanasios
A
Petrou
Christos
C
Tsigris
Emmanouil
E
Pikoulis
Nikolaos
N
Kavantzas
Apostolos
A
Papalois
Evangelos
E
Felekouras
D055011:Ablation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects; D023421:Models, Animal; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013997:Time Factors
D012965:Sodium Chloride