Complications after tumor ablation

Curley SA (2003) Radiofrequency ablation of malignant liver tumors. Ann Surg Oncol 10 338-347 Curley SA, Marra P, Beaty K et al. (2004) Early and late complications after radiofrequency ablation of malignant liver tumors in 608 patients. Ann Surg 239 450-458 de Baere T, Elias D, Dromain C et al. (2000) Radiofrequency ablation of 100 hepatic metastases with a mean follow-up of more than 1 year. AJR Am J Roentgenol 175 1619-1625 Gillams AR, Lees WR (2004) Radio-frequency ablation of colorectal liver metastases in 167 patients. Eur Radiol 14 2261-2267... 

Curley SA, Marra P, Beaty K et al (2004) Early and late complications after radiofrequency ablation of malignant liver tumors in 608 patients. Ann Surg 239 450-458... 

Ng KK, Lam CM, Poon RT, et al (2003) Portal vein thrombosis after radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Asian J Surg 26 50-54 Rhim H, Yoon KH, Lee JM, et al (2003) Major complications after radio-frequency thermal ablation of hepatic tumors spectrum of imaging findings. Radiographics 23 123-134... 

Choi H, Loyer EM, DuBrow RA et al (2001) Radio-frequency ablation of liver tumors assessment oftherapeutic response and complications. Radiographics 21 [Spec No] S41-S54 Choi D, Lim HK, Kim MJ et al (2005) Liver abscess after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinomas frequency and risk factors. AJR Am J Roentgenol 184(6) 1860-1867... 

Cryosurgery may permit successful ablation of hepatic tumors but can be complicated by postoperative hemorrhage and is also associated with a significant risk of recurrence (Clavien et al. 2002). The combination of cryotherapy and TACE might be beneficial. TACE may reduce the risk of hemorrhage after cryosurgery but can increase the risk of hepatic failure in patients with poor hepatic function. 

A careful post-treatment protocol is mandatory after RFA. We usually perform a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the upper abdomen immediately after the procedure is completed. This is to rule out residual tumor tissue and reassure that complete coverage of the tumor is given by the ablation zone and of course to look for complications such as bleeding. The... 

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