Radiofrequency tissue ablation: an early Indian experience

Radiofrequency (RF) tissue ablation has been tried safely and effectively in the West as percutaneous local tissue ablation therapy. We present our experience with this technique in malignant lesions. RF tumor ablation was done using an RF generator (Berchtold; Germany) generating 35-50 RF watts of power output. The RF needle was placed in the tumor under image guidance (n = 22) or at open surgery (n = 1). Around 1500 watts/cm3 RF energy was delivered to the tumor. Over 21 months, 23 patients underwent the procedure for 73 lesions, including metastatic liver lesions (n = 21) and locally advanced inoperable carcinoma of pancreas (n = 2). All lesions less than 3 cm in size (n = 15) and 39% of lesions 3-4 cm in size (17/44) had complete necrosis. Residual tumor was seen in 27/44 lesions (61%) 3-4 cm in size and in all 14 lesions more than 4 cm in size. There was no mortality or major morbidity. There were two minor complications (ascites 1, pleural effusion 1). Of 21 patients treated for liver metastases, 10 are still alive (6-month survival 19/21 [90%] and 12-month survival 11/17 [64.7%]). Only 2 of 32 (6.2%) lesions with complete necrosis had local recurrence. RF tumor ablation is a safe and effective local tissue ablative method in Indian patients.