Percutaneous endobiliary ablation of malignant biliary strictures with a novel temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation device

PURPOSE We aimed to determine the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous endobiliary radiofrequency ablation of malignant biliary obstructions with a temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation device. METHODS In this single center retrospective study, a total of 62 consecutive patients with malignant biliary obstruction were evaluated.Thirty patients who underwent endobiliary radiofrequency ablation with metallic stent placement were in the study group and 32 patients who under went only metallic stenting were in the control group. Outcomes of this study were technical success, complications related to the procedure, stent patency, and overall survival. RESULTS All procedures were technically successful in both groups. There was no procedure-related mortality in either group. Procedural complication rates were similar between the groups. Although statistically riot significant, the only two major complications (hemobilia requiring endovascular treatment) were in the control group. Median primary stent patency was significantly longer in the study group than in the control group (223 days vs. 158 days; p= 0.016). Median survival rates were also longer in the study group (246 days vs. 198 days; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Percutaneous endobiliary radiofrequency ablation is safe arid feasible with this novel radiofrequency ablation device in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Percutaneous endobiliary radiofrequency ablation has a potential to improve both stent patency arid survival.