Bronchobiliary Fistula after Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Hepatic Tumor

Use heat with caution! Pleurobiliary fistula after hepatocellular carcinoma microwave ablation in lymphoma patient: A case study

Thermal ablation by microwave ablation (MWA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a frequently used technique for hepatic lesion treatment due to its low rate of complications. Surgery, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and yttrium-90 (Y-90) transarterial radioembolization (TARE) are other ways to treat hepatic lesions. Thoracobiliary fistula (TBF) is a rare side effect of thermal ablation. Other side effects include vascular injury, damage to the biliary system, and infection. We present the case of a 62-year-old male patient who has a history of lymphoma and was diagnosed with a hepaticellular carcinoma lesion on follow-up CT in segment VII, which appeared in close relation to the right diaphragm. The patient had been through several interventional procedures, including Y-90 therapy, TACE, and MWA with thermal impact, which resulted in a biloma forming and ramping up the progression of pleurobiliary fistula, which is confirmed by HIDA scan, this case highlights the significance of monitoring patients after thermal ablation, particularly in cases of large justa-diaphragmatic tumors, to detect any diaphragmatic or biliary tree injuries.

Irreversible Electroporation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Abutting the Diaphragm: A Prospective Single-center Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging local ablation therapy which may be effective for unresectable tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous IRE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) abutting the diaphragm.

METHODS

A total of 26 participants with 39 tumors abutting the diaphragm were prospectively evaluated between July 2015 and September 2018. Complications associated with IRE were recorded, and the survival benefit of IRE was analyzed. The factors associated with time to local tumor progression (LTP) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.

RESULTS

No major complications or treatment-related deaths occurred. The technical success rate was 96.2% (25/26) and complete ablation rate was 92.3% (36/39). The median follow-up period was 16.7 months (range: 3.0-43.0 months), the LTP occurred in 15.2% of tumors and median time to LTP was 20.4 months. Overall, tumor size (hazard ratio: 1.24 [95% confidence interval: 0.38, 3.81], p=0.03) was the only factor associated with time to LTP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows for the first time that percutaneous IRE is a safe and effective ablation technology for HCC abutting the diaphragm.

High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of liver tumors in difficult locations

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been shown to be a valuable tool in the management of small liver tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been shown to be a safe and effective means to ablate small HCC even in the presence of advanced cirrhosis. This review examines the challenges faced during HIFU ablation when the target tumors are located in difficult locations such as the liver dome, close to the rib cage, near large blood vessels or the heart, or adjacent to hollow viscera; and the special maneuvers employed to tackle such lesions.

Biliothoracic Fistula after Microwave Ablation of Liver Metastasis : Literature Review

Microwave ablation is a safe and effective interventional approach, widely used in the treatment of unresectable primary or metastatic hepatic lesions. Thoracobiliary fistula is a rare postablation complication that can be treated with a conservative or surgical approach. We reviewed aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnostic possibilities, and therapeutic options for biliothoracic fistula developed after microwave ablation of liver metastasis. Furthermore, we reported our experience of successful conservative management of a nonhealing thoracobiliary fistula occurred after percutaneous thermal ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Our case supports a conservative approach based on percutaneous biliary system decompression and synthetic glue embolization for the treatment of combined biliopleural and biliobronchial fistula.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for small hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatic dome under MR-guidance: clinical safety and efficacy

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using multitined expandable electrodes under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in the hepatic dome.Materials and methods: The data of 49 patients with 50 HCC lesions in the hepatic dome who underwent MRI-guided RFA from April 2010 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Planning, targeting, and controlling were performed under MR-guidance during the procedure. The complications after RFA were observed. Follow-up MRI was performed to evaluate the curative effect. The local progression-free survival, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve.Results: The procedures were successfully accomplished in all patients without major complications. The mean follow-up time was 36.9 ± 25.8 months (range, 3-99 months). Technical success was 100% after one RFA session with MRI assessment after 1 month. Local tumor progression was observed in one patient (2%) with the lesion located in the hepatic dome at 4 months on a subsequent follow-up MRI. The progression-free survival time was 25.0 ± 22.7 months (median, 17.0 months). The 1-,3-, and 5-year local tumor progression-free survival rates were all 98.0%. The 1-,3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 68.1%, 39.9%, and 28.5%, respectively, and the estimated overall survival rates were 93.7%, 76.3%, and 54.3%, respectively.Conclusion: Planning, targeting, and controlling of RFA were well supported by MRI with acceptable time. MRI-guided RFA for small HCCs in the hepatic dome is safe and effective with fewer RF sessions.

The development of broncho-biliary fistula after treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma: a report of two cases

Broncho-biliary fistula (BBF) is a rare but severe disorder defined as abnormal communication between the biliary system and bronchial tree. Cases of BBF have occasionally been reported, but no standard treatment has been established. We report two cases of BBF that developed after the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and reviewed the relevant literature. Case 1, a man in his early eighties was diagnosed with BBF 4 months after undergoing surgical resection for HCC (diameter, 7 cm; location, segments 4 and 5). Percutaneous drainage and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) improved BBF without recurrence for more than a year. Case 2, a woman in her late sixties was diagnosed with BBF after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for HCC. Although the BBF was treated with ENBD, bronchial occlusion, and percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization, these treatments were unsuccessful and the patient died. Although non-invasive treatments have been developed, refractory BBF still exists. The prediction of BBF and the development of more effective treatments are necessary to improve outcomes.

Bronchobiliary fistula after ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to the diaphragm: Case report and literature review

Background

Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare, but life‐threatening complication after ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Few cases of bronchobiliary fistula have been reported and the treatment is controversial.

Methods

From 2006 to 2019, a total of 11 patients were diagnosed with bronchobiliary fistula after ablation and received nonsurgical treatment.

Results

All 11 patients presented with cough and bilioptysis. There were only two patients in which MRI revealed an obvious fistulous tract connecting the pleural effusion and biliary lesions. Pleural effusion, liver abscess and hepatic biloma were found in other patients. Three patients died of uncontrolled bronchobiliary fistula.

Conclusions

Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare post‐ablation complication but should be taken into consideration in clinical decisions. Minimally invasive interventional treatment is a relatively effective means of dealing with bronchobiliary fistula, but as for the more severe cases, greater clinical experience is required.

Radiofrequency ablation following artificial ascites and pleural effusion creation may improve outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk locations

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) following artificial ascites (AA) and artificial pleural effusion (AP) creation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk locations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were divided into 2 study periods (non-AAAP and AAAP groups) with AAAP performed in the latter period. Local tumor progression, primary technique effectiveness and complications were compared between patients with and without AAAP. Cumulative probability of local tumor progression and overall survival were estimated with Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-eight patients with 195 tumors were evaluated. AAAP was performed in 48 patients with 76 tumors. Local tumor progression rates at 12 and 24 months were 9.3% and 22.2% in the non-AAAP group versus 5.5% and 9% in the AAAP group (p < 0.0001). Primary technique effectiveness was achieved in 76.5% of the non-AAAP group versus 89.5% of the AAAP group (p = 0.046). Night (7.6%) major complications occurred in the non-AAAP group and 2 (2.6%) cases occurred in the AAAP group. Therapy-oriented severity grading system after RFA was lower in the AAAP group (p = 0.02). Overall survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 85.6% and 77.7% in the non-AAAP group versus 97.2% and 89.7% in the AAAP group (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

RFA following AA and AP for high-risk located HCC may improve outcomes.

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, bronchobiliary fistula in a patient with liver trauma

BACKGROUND

Bronchobiliary fistula and hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm are rare complications of hepatic trauma. There are isolated case reports for both pseudoaneurysm and bronchobiliary fistula following hepatic trauma but there aren't reports of both conditions developing in a single patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case describes an 18 year old hindu male who developed right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm and bronchobiliary fistula following blunt abdominal trauma. Patient was managed with exploratory laparotomy followed by coil embolization and Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography stenting respectively.

CONCLUSION

Rare complications of liver trauma include pseudoaneurysm and bronchobiliary fistula. These complications can rarely co- exist in a single patient.

Bronchobiliary fistula following radiofrequency ablation for liver metastases from breast cancer: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare clinical condition which is characterized by a channel between biliary tract and bronchial tree. BBF can present with fever, dyspnea, and cough. However, it can be easily misdiagnosed as biliary vomiting, dyspnea, or even severe pneumonia.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 53-year-old woman was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2011 and underwent radical mastectomy and lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, the patient suffered from bone metastasis during the 1st year and liver metastasis during the 2nd year after radical mastectomy. In 2013, the patient underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization therapy twice for liver metastasis. The patient was then treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in 2016. Unfortunately, the patient developed a cough with bitter-tasting yellow sputum and chest tightness 2 weeks after the RFA treatment. Approximately 6 months later, the patient still complained of a cough with yellow sputum and persistent chest tightness. The patient was then admitted to our department.

DIAGNOSES

The presence of bile in the sputum supported a diagnosis of BBF. Bronchoscopy was performed, and the presence of bile in the lavage fluid confirmed the diagnosis of BBF.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with antibiotics including sulbactam, cefoperazone, levofloxacin and meropenem, was well as hepatoprotectants, nutritional support and other supportive treatments in our department.

OUTCOMES

The patient died because of liver failure.

LESSONS

This case demonstrates that we should consider the possibility of BBF when patients experience a recurrent cough with discolored sputum after RFA. In particular, a diagnosis of BBF should be considered in patients who do not respond to antibiotic treatment.

Bronchobiliary fistula after multiple transcatheter arterial chemoembolizations for hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare condition, defined as an abnormal communication between the bronchial system and the biliary tree. Patients with this condition usually present with massive biliptysis, and the mortality rate is high. BBF has been reported to occur in patients with congenital conditions, complications of trauma, hepatic abscesses and biliary tract obstruction (surgical as well as non-surgical). However, to the best of our knowledge, BBF as a complication of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been reported to date. We herein report a case of BBF developing as a complication following TACE in a 71-year-old male patient with HCC. The patient was treated by placement of a metallic biliary stent followed by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage to decompress the intrahepatic biliary tree, and his symptoms were immediately relieved.

A preoperative mathematic model for computed tomographic guided microwave ablation treatment of hepatic dome tumors

Purpose

This study sought to prospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of a preoperative mathematic model for computed tomographic(CT) guided microwave(MW) ablation treatment of hepatic dome tumors.

Methods

This mathematic model was a regular cylinder quantifying appropriate puncture routes from the bottom up. A total of 103 patients with hepatic dome tumors were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups based on whether this model was used or not: Group A (using the model; n = 43) versus Group B (not using the model; n = 60). All tumors were treated by CT-guided MW ablation and follow-up contrast CT were reviewed.

Results

The average number of times for successful puncture, average ablation time, and incidence of right shoulder pain were less in Group A than Group B (1.4 vs. 2.5, P = 0.001; 8.8 vs. 11.1 minutes, P = 0.003; and 4.7% vs. 20%, P = 0.039). The technical success rate was higher in Group A than Group B (97.7% vs. 85.0%, P = 0.032). There were no significant differences between the two groups in primary and secondary technique efficacy rates (97.7% vs. 88.3%, P = 0.081; 90.0% vs. 72.7%, P = 0.314). No major complications occurred in both groups.

Conclusion

The mathematic model of regular cylinder is feasible and safe for CT-guided MW ablation in treating hepatic dome tumors.

Demonstration of a bronchobiliary fistula using magnetic resonance image with hepatospecific contrast agent

Bronchobiliary fistulas are a rare entity of difficult diagnosis. The utility of magnetic resonance image (MRI) with hepatospecific contrast agents to demonstrate such condition is seldom described in the literature. This case reports a patient with pulmonary infection with a past history of hepatic surgery for hydatid disease in whom the presence of bile in the sputum rose the suspicious of a bronchobiliary fistula. MRI with hepatospecific contrast agents showed the communication between the biliary and bronchial tree and provided anatomic data to allow a therapeutic approach.

Delayed bronchobiliary fistula following radiofrequency ablation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report and lesson regarding treatment

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare complication of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma. The rupture of a biloma following RFA may result in the development of BBF, with their early detection and timely management important in the prevention of BBF. The current study presents a case of BBF, which developed at 17 months after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), due to biloma rupture in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the percutaneous drainage of the biloma following BBF, the persistent fever did not resolve due to biliary infection. Finally, an extensive surgical intervention was performed. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that had been performed following RFA were reviewed, and it was found that the biloma and increased bile leakage had presented prior to biloma rupture. For that reason, it is advised that patients who present with biloma following RFA should receive regular follow-up MRI scans. Biloma enlargement could be a predictor for the development of BBF; therefore, timely drainage of an enlarging biloma may be able to prevent this complication.

Rectouterine fistula after laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of a uterine fibroid

In the conservative management of uterine fibroids is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) considered to be one of the safe, effective and minimal invasive approaches in selected women who desire to retain their uterus. Few studies were conducted on its adverse outcomes and most of the reported complications were minor events such as pain, discharge, adhesion which didn't require any intervention. However, although safe and effective, the RFA of a uterine myoma can be the cause for severe complications such as penetration and burn injuries of pelvic organs. In general, a rectouterine fistula is one of the rarest complications but can lead to serious adverse outcomes. Herein, to our knowledge, we report the first case involving a rectouterine fistula after laparoscopic ultrasound-guided RFA of a uterine myoma with pelvic endometriosis. In addition, we provide a brief review of the relevant literature.

The challenging management of hepatopulmonary fistulas

Hepatopulmonary fistula although benign in nature carries an unacceptable mortality risk up to 10.3% in some case series mainly due to surgical complications. From the first description by Ferguson and Burford in 1967 till present different approaches have been applied and with the introduction of less invasive techniques the results have significantly improved. Interestingly the prevalence of the different etiological factors has changed over the years especially with the advance of liver ablating techniques and surgery. A step by step approach to this entity, from diagnosis to treatment has to be reestablished in order to identify the role of interventional modalities and to develop a management algorithm.

Ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained a wide acceptance as a first-line therapeutic option for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For very early-stage HCC, despite a higher rate of local tumour progression, RFA is considered as a viable alternative to surgical resection owing to its comparable long-term survival, reduced morbidity, and greater preservation of hepatic parenchyma. For HCCs larger than 2 cm, RFA can contribute to near-curative therapy when combined with chemoembolization. RFA can be used as part of a multimodal treatment strategy for more advanced or recurrent cases, and could be a useful bridging therapy for patients who are waiting for liver transplantation. However, the use of RFA is still limited in treating large tumours and some tumours in high-risk locations. To overcome its current limitations, other ablation techniques are being developed and it is important to validate the role of other techniques for enhancing performance of ablation therapy for HCC.

Complications of image-guided thermal ablation of liver and kidney neoplasms

Image-guided thermal ablation is a widely accepted tool in the treatment of a variety of solid organ neoplasms. Among the different techniques of ablation, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and microwave ablation have been most commonly used and investigated in the treatment of liver and kidney neoplasms. This article will review complications following thermal ablation of tumors in the liver and kidney, and discuss the risks and clinical presentation of each complication as well as how to treat and potentially avoid complications.

Surgical treatment of bronchobiliary fistula due to radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare complication of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), in which there is abnormal communications between the biliary tract and the bronchial trees. Surgery should only be considered for BBF when non-invasive interventions have failed. In this report, we describe the surgical management for BBF when complicated by an abscess that was encountered after RFA in a 52-year-old woman with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). She had previously undergone central bisectionectomy of HCC 7 years ago, and had been treated with a sixth transarterial chemoembolization and first RFA for recurrent HCC after the operation. After the liver abscess and BBF occurred in the posterior section of the liver, she received posterior sectionectomy and hepaticojejunostomy, drainage of the lung abscess, diaphragmatic resection and repair because it was impossible to drain the abscess radiologically. Symptomatic improvements were being achieved through operative treatments where pleural effusion and pneumonic consolidation was obliterated on a 2-months follow-up image.

Intraoperative ablation for small HCC not amenable for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in Child A cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was initially started by radiologists as a percutaneous treatment, but surgeons started to use RFA by surgical approach for patients with tumors at locations difficult for the percutaneous procedure. The aim was to evaluate the results of intraoperative RFA for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (<3 cm) in locations difficult for a percutaneous approach.

METHODS

Two hundred forty-seven patients with small solitary HCC (<3 cm) were treated; 196 via percutaneous RFA while 51 patients presented at sites not amenable for percutaneous route. Twenty-seven out of 51 patients underwent surgical resection, while 24/51 patients underwent intraoperative RFA.

RESULTS

The location and depth of the tumor from the liver capsule was the only significant factors in the choice of the surgeon between resection and RFA. RFA was successful in all tumors (complete ablation rate of 100 %). In the surgery group, all patients achieved R0 resection. Complication rate was comparable (p = 1.0). After a median follow-up of 37 months (range, 10-45 months), no tumors showed neither local progression nor local recurrence and no significant difference was observed between two groups as regards early recurrence and number of de novo lesions (p = 0.49). One-year and 3-year survival rates were 93 % and 81 %, respectively, in the resection group comparable to the corresponding rates of 92 % and 74 % in the RFA group (p = 0.9).

CONCLUSION

For small HCC in locations difficult for a percutaneous approach, intraoperative RFA can be an alternative option for deep-seated tumors necessitating more than one segmentectomy achieving similar tumor control, and overall and disease-free survival.

Complications of radiofrequency ablation of hepatic, pulmonary, and renal neoplasms

Percutaneous thermal ablation has emerged as a viable technique for treatment of numerous solid organ malignancies. As the number of these procedures increases, so do the complications that are seen. Most common complications are generally related to bleeding from the target organ during or after the procedure and from thermal injury to adjacent structures. The nature of these injuries depends on the particular organ being treated, therefore it it best to categorize them this way. We will review the more common complications seen following the ablation of tumors in the liver, kidney, and lung, discuss the clinical presentation associated with each, and suggest precautions to help avoid them in the future. Understanding the potential risks associated with this procedure is critical for treatment planning and fundamental for performing these procedures safely.

Biliobronchial fistula after liver surgery for giant hydatid cyst

Background. Biliobronchial fistula (BBF) is a rare complication in the natural history of liver hydatid disease by Echinococcus granulosus. We present a case of BBF after resection of a giant liver hydatid cyst in a 72-year-old woman. Case Report. A total cystpericystectomy was done, leaving the left lateral section of the liver that was fixed to the diaphragm. Postoperatively, the patient developed obstructive jaundice. An ERCP showed an obstruction at the junction of the left biliary duct and the main biliary duct and contrast leak. At reoperation, the main duct was ischemic, likely due to torsion along its longitudinal axis. A hepatotomy was done at the hilar plate, and the biliary duct was dissected and anastomosed to a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop. She was discharged without complications. Five months later, the patient developed cholangitis and was successfully treated with antibiotics. However, she suffered repeated respiratory infections, and four months later she was admitted to the hospital with fever, cough, bilioptysis, and right lower lobe pneumonia. The diagnosis of BBF was confirmed with ^99mTc Mebrofenin scintigraphy. At transhepatic cholangiography, bile duct dilation was seen, with a biliothoracic leak. She underwent dilatation of cholangiojejunostomy stricture with placement of an external-internal catheter. The catheter was removed 3.5 months later, and two years later the patient remains in very good condition. Conclusion. An indirect treatment of the BBF by percutaneous transhepatic dilation of the biliary stenosis avoided a more invasive treatment, with satisfactory outcome.

Management of acquired bronchobiliary fistula: A systematic literature review of 68 cases published in 30 years

AIM: To outline the appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for acquired bronchobiliary fistula (BBF).

METHODS: Literature searches were performed in Medline, EMBASE, PHMC and LWW (January 1980-August 2010) using the following keywords: biliobronchial fistula, bronchobiliary fistula, broncho-biliary fistula, biliary-bronchial fistula, tracheobiliary fistula, hepatobronchial fistula, bronchopleural fistula, and biliptysis. Further articles were identified through cross-referencing.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases were collected and reviewed. BBF secondary to tumors (32.3%, 22/68), including primary tumors (19.1%, 13/68) and hepatic metastases (13.2%, 9/68), shared the largest proportion of all cases. Biliptysis was found in all patients, and other symptoms were respiratory symptoms, such as irritating cough, fever (36/68) and jaundice (20/68). Half of the patients were treated by less-invasive methods such as endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage. Invasive approaches like surgery were used less frequently (41.7%, 28/67). The outcome was good at the end of the follow-up period in 28 cases (range, 2 wk to 72 mo), and the recovery rate was 87.7% (57/65).

CONCLUSION: The clinical diagnosis of BBF can be established by sputum analysis. Careful assessment of this condition is needed before therapeutic procedure. Invasive approaches should be considered only when non-invasive methods failed.

The safety and efficacy of ablative techniques adjacent to the hepatic vasculature and biliary system

Ablative techniques may provide an alternative to resection in treating awkwardly placed hepatic malignancy adjacent to major vascular and biliary structures. The heat-sink effect may reduce efficacy adjacent to major vascular structures. Vascular occlusion improves efficacy but is associated with increased vascular and biliary complications. The safety and efficacy of ablation in these situations remain to be defined. Further studies comparing both safety and efficacy are needed.

Radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma abutting the diaphragm: the value of artificial ascites

Ultrasound (US)-guided percutanoeus radiofrequency (RF) ablation is difficult to perform for treating a hepatic tumor abutting the diaphragm due to a poor sonic window and high risk of diaphragmatic thermal injury. RF ablation with assistance of the use of artificial ascites is a simple and safe technique for treating a hepatic dome tumor abutting the diaphragm. One can improve the sonic window and separate the RF ablation zone from the diaphragm by downward displacement of the liver with the use of a simple and inexpensive technique. Dextrose water solution is an ideal fluid due to its nonionic nature. Complications related to the use of artificial ascites including hemoperitoneum are rare. Peritoneal adhesion and tumor location in the bare area are the limitations for the application of this technique.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma abutting the diaphragm and gastrointestinal tracts with the use of artificial ascites: safety and technical efficacy in 143 patients

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with the use of artificial ascites for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) adjacent to the diaphragm and gastrointestinal tract. One hundred forty-three patients with 181 HCCs who underwent US-guided percutaneous RFA with the use of artificial ascites were retrospectively reviewed. Among the 181 HCCs, 148 HCCs were defined as problematic nodules for two major reasons: poor sonic window or possible thermal injury. We artificially induced ascites before performing RFA by dripping 5% dextrose in a water solution. We assessed the technical success of introducing artificial ascites, technical feasibility of the use of artificial ascites and complications. The technical success rate, as well as the primary and secondary technique success rate, was assessed by regular follow-up CT examinations. RFA with artificial ascites was successfully achieved in 130 of 143 patients. The primary technique effectiveness was 85.3%. During follow-up (mean, 20.4 months), remote intrahepatic recurrence occurred in 49 patients and local tumor progression occurred in 15 patients. Three (2.1%) of the 143 patients experienced major complications (hemoperitoneum, lobar infarction and biloma) related to the RFA procedure. The use of artificial ascites is a simple and useful technique to minimize collateral thermal injury and to improve the sonic window.

Percutaneous management of a bronchobiliary fistula after radiofrequency ablation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure for the treatment of hepatic tumors. While RFA is associated with relatively low morbidity, sporadic bronchobiliary fistulae due to thermal damage may occur after RFA, although the incidence is rare. We describe a patient with a bronchobiliary fistula complicated by a liver abscess that occurred after RFA. This fistula was obliterated after placement of an external drainage catheter into the liver abscess for eight weeks.

Imaging after radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is now increasingly used as a first-line therapeutic modality for small malignant hepatic tumors in many parts of the world. The importance of radiological imaging at follow-up to assess therapeutic effectiveness, presence of complications, and recurrences cannot be overemphasized, as RFA treatment is minimally invasive and locally applied. A broad spectrum of imaging findings obtained by the use of various modalities has been reported by many investigators. In this review, we describe findings, including chronologic changes of the ablation zones, both local and remote recurrences, and complications that occur after RFA of the liver as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the use of each imaging modality for a specific situation.

Detection of a suspected bronchobiliary fistula by hepatobiliary scintigraphy

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) represents a rare but severe complication in patients affected by liver metastases. Although a clinical suspicion can arise when specific clinical signs, in particular biliptysis, are present, conventional imaging modalities often fail to confirm the diagnosis. We present a case of a patient affected by colon cancer with liver metastases previously treated with partial right-sided hepatectomy and multiple thermo-ablative treatments combined with chemotherapy, who manifested a septic fever associated with productive cough and biliptysis. Diagnosis of BBF was confirmed only by hepatobiliary scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-heptoiminodiacetic acid.

Bronchobiliary fistula and cholangiocarcinoma: a case report and principles of management

A 64-year-old woman was admitted with fever and cough. At admission, she had jaundice, hepatomegaly, and green-stained sputum. Computed tomography (CT) showed an intrahepatic abscess located near the dome, multiple hepatic metastases, biliary tract dilatation, and a right pleural effusion. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography demonstrated a communication between the intrahepatic biliary ducts and the bronchial tree. The patient was treated with antibiotic therapy, pleural and biliary drainages and a percutaneous drainage of the hepatic abscess.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors against the diaphragm: frequency of diaphragmatic injury

PURPOSE

To retrospectively determine the frequency of diaphragmatic injury when percutaneous hepatic radiofrequency (RF) ablation is performed adjacent to the diaphragm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for our HIPAA-compliant study. Informed consent for the ablation procedure and for use of related data for future research was obtained from each patient. A retrospective review was conducted of 215 patients undergoing percutaneous RF ablation of hepatic tumors. Twenty-nine patients (21 men and eight women; age, 41-89 years) were identified with tumors abutting the diaphragm. Episodes of right shoulder pain were recorded. A panel of radiologists blinded to the patients' clinical histories reviewed their imaging for evidence of diaphragmatic injury and ablation success. A generalized estimating equation model and the Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The 29 patients had a total of 33 tumors abutting the diaphragm. Tumor size was 1.3-5.5 cm (mean, 3.2 cm +/- 1.1). After ablation, five (17%) patients reported right shoulder pain. In four, pain was mild or moderate, with symptoms lasting 2-14 days (median, 5.5 days). Three of these showed diaphragmatic thickening on postablation computed tomographic (CT) scans. One patient had severe pain lasting 2 weeks, followed by milder pain for 2 months. This patient's postablation CT images showed focal nodular diaphragmatic thickening. This patient was treated with a multitined device; the other four, with straight-needle devices. Local tumor progression was seen in 14 tumors (42.4%). Tumors 3 cm or smaller had a much lower local progression rate than tumors larger than 3 cm (12.5% vs 70.6%).

CONCLUSION

Of 29 patients who had ablation of hepatic tumors adjacent to the diaphragm, five (17%) had diaphragmatic injury, which was clinically apparent with right shoulder pain.

The safety and efficacy of radiofrequency and electrolytic ablation created adjacent to large hepatic veins in a porcine model

INTRODUCTION

Immediately adjacent to large hepatic veins, tumour ablation by radiofrequency or electrolysis may be impaired by heat or current sink effects. Ablation may also cause vessel injury and thrombosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency and electrolytic ablative techniques adjacent to large hepatic veins.

METHODS

Electrolytic and radiofrequency zones of ablation were created adjacent to hepatic veins in large white pigs. After 72 h the zones of ablation created were examined histologically for (a) the extent of tissue necrosis up to the vessel and (b) the presence of intimal damage and mural thrombus in the veins.

RESULTS

An unexpected complication of electrolysis near large veins was cardiac tamponade. This current related phenomenon could easily be avoided. In seven of nine electrolysis zones of ablation necrosis was completely adjacent to the vessel wall, but in only four of seven radiofrequency zones of ablation. All zones of ablation were associated with intimal necrosis, and most with mural thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Ablation of hepatic tumours by radiofrequency and electrolysis is unreliable adjacent to hepatic veins. Both techniques are associated with mural thrombus formation, and so risk thrombo-embolic complication. These ablative modalities are not recommended for zones of ablation adjacent to hepatic veins.