Electrolytic ablation as an adjunct to liver resection: experimental studies of predictability and safety

• Published in: British journal of surgery Vol. 89; no. 5; pp. 579 - 585
• Main Authors: Wemyss-Holden, S. A., Dennison, A. R., Finch, G. J., Hall, P. de la M., Maddern, G. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.05.2002; Wiley
• Subjects: Alanine Transaminase - metabolism; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Electrodes; Electrolytes - therapeutic use; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase - metabolism; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Liver Neoplasms - secondary; Liver Neoplasms - surgery; Liver, biliary tract, pancreas, portal circulation, spleen; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Medical sciences; Necrosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the digestive system; Swine; Tumors; Animal model; Treatment efficiency; Liver; Adjuvant treatment; Hepatic disease; Surgical resection; Metastasis; Malignant tumor; Necrosis; Pig; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Treatment; Electrolysis; Animal; Surgery; Digestive diseases; Artiodactyla; Effective dose; Ungulata
• ISSN: 0007-1323; 1365-2168
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2168.2002.02064.x

Background: Combined liver resection and local ablation may offer the only chance of cure to patients with liver metastases who are presently deemed unresectable because of a single awkwardly placed metastasis. By definition, such a metastasis is often close to a major vein. An ablative technique is needed that is both predictable and safe in such a circumstance. Methods: Electrolytic liver lesions were created in 21 pigs using platinum electrodes, connected to a direct current generator. Both electrolytic ‘dose’ and electrode separation were varied to produce different sized lesions. The ‘dose’ was correlated with the volume of necrosis and any vascular damage was determined histologically. Results: There was a significant (P < 0·001) correlation between the electrolytic ‘dose’ and the volume of liver necrosis. For a given ‘dose’ the volume of necrosis was less when the electrodes were together, rather than separated. Liver enzymes were only transiently deranged. There were no significant vascular injuries. Conclusion: Predictable and reproducible necrosis is produced by electrolysis in the pig liver. The treatment appears to cause little or no damage to immediately adjacent liver or major vascular structures and, when combined with resection, may offer the chance of a cure to many patients who are currently unresectable. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd