EUS-guided Radiofrequency Ablation (EUS-RFA) of Solid Pancreatic Neoplasm Using an 18-gauge Needle Electrode: Feasibility, Safety, and Technical Success

• Published in: Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 67 - 72
• Main Authors: Crinò, Stefano Francesco, D'Onofrio, Mirko, Bernardoni, Laura, Frulloni, Luca, Iannelli, Michele, Malleo, Giuseppe, Paiella, Salvatore, Larghi, Alberto, Gabbrielli, Armando
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Romania 01.03.2018
• Subjects: Abdominal Pain - etiology; Adenocarcinoma - surgery; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Electrodes; Endosonography; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms - pathology; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Neoplasms - secondary; Pancreatic Neoplasms - surgery; Radiofrequency Ablation - adverse effects; Radiofrequency Ablation - instrumentation; Radiofrequency Ablation - methods; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional - adverse effects; Ultrasonography, Interventional - instrumentation
• ISSN: 1841-8724; 1842-1121
• DOI: 10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.271.eus

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) is a promising technique for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasm. We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and technical success of pancreatic EUS-RFA performed in a single center. 9 consecutive patients (8 with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 1 with renal cancer metastasis) were referred for EUS-RFA between November 2016 and July 2017. EUS-RFA was performed using 18-gauge internally cooled electrode with a 5 or 10 mm exposed tip. Feasibility, technical success or early and late adverse events were assessed. One patient was excluded because of a large necrotic portion. EUS-RFA was feasible in all the other 8 (100%) cases. An ablated area inside the tumor was achieved in all treated patients. No early or late major adverse event was observed after a mean follow-up of 6 months. Three patients experienced mild post-procedural abdominal pain. EUS-RFA seems a feasible, safe, and effective procedure for pancreatic neoplasms. Its role in the treatment and management of pancreatic masses must be further investigated.