Combining Liver Surgery and Ablation for Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): Fioole Bram, Jansen Maarten C, van Duijnhoven Frederieke H, van Hillegersberg Richard, van Gulik Thomas M, Borel Rinkes Inne HM
Primary Institution: University Medical Centre Utrecht
Hypothesis
The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of combining partial liver resection and radiofrequency ablation in treating unresectable liver malignancies.
Conclusion
This strategy should only be performed following strict patient selection and within the context of prospective clinical trials.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirty-seven operations were performed in 35 patients.
- The overall perioperative morbidity rate was 32%.
- The estimated 1-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates were 84%, 70% and 43%, respectively.
- Local success rate after RFA was 88%.
- Two patients experienced major complications resulting in a postoperative mortality rate of 5.4%.
Takeaway
Doctors combined two treatments to help patients with liver tumors that couldn't be removed by surgery alone, but they need to be careful about who they treat.
Methodology
Thirty-five patients treated with a combination of partial liver resection and RFA were identified from a prospectively registered pooled multicentre database.
Potential Biases
The study may have selection bias due to the strict criteria for patient inclusion.
Limitations
The study reflects results from a multi-institutional database, which may not represent all practices.
Participant Demographics
The group consisted of 20 male and 15 female patients with a median age of 59 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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