Colonic perforation and abscess following radiofrequency ablation treatment of hepatoma

Objective: Radiofrequency (RF) has been demonstrated as a relatively safe procedure in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A 60-year-old man with liver cirrhosis presented with a large, infiltrating HCC close to the right colon. The patient was treated with internally cooled RF. Results: On the 8th day post-ablation, a complication of right colon perforation was diagnosed. Conclusion: RF can induce untoward thermal damage, and may not be indicated in large infiltrating lesions abutting the gastrointestinal tract.