Safety assessment and therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous microwave ablation therapy combined with percutaneous ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to the gallbladder

Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinomas Adjacent to the Gallbladder Without Isolation Under Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Monitoring: A Comparative Study with Long Term Follow-Up

Objective

This study intends to compare the efficacy and safety between patients undergoing invasive isolation or monitoring measures and patients undergoing intra-operative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) monitoring who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) adjacent to the gallbladder (GB).

Methods

We retrospectively assessed patients with HCC adjacent to the GB who underwent ultrasound-guided RFA. They were divided into two groups: group A was monitored under intra-operative CEUS, while group B was assisted by invasive auxiliary means. The efficacy, complications and survival were followed up and compared.

Results

Thirty-eight patients with 39 HCCs were enrolled into group A and 31 patients with 35 HCCs were enrolled into group B. The technique efficacy rates were both 100% in the two groups. There were no significant differences of the cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year local tumor progression, tumor-free survival and overall survival between the two groups (P = 0.851, 0.081 and 0.700, respectively). There were no significant differences of major and minor complications rates between the two groups (P = 1.000, 0.994, respectively). More importantly, no GB related complications occurred in group A.

Conclusion

Intra-operative CEUS monitoring without protective isolation of the GB might be also a potentially safe and effective method for the RFA of HCC adjacent to the GB, when compared with those assisted with invasive auxiliary means.

Long-term efficacy and safety of microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to the gallbladder with a diameter ≤ 5 cm: a multicenter, propensity score matching study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the long-term efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) as first-line therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) adjacent versus nonadjacent to the gallbladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2006 to 2018, 657 patients with ≤5 cm HCC who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided MWA as first-line therapy from 5 hospitals were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were grouped into the adjacent group (n = 49) and the nonadjacent group (n = 608) according to whether the tumor was adjacent to the gallbladder. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline variables between the two groups.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patient pairs were matched after PSM. For the PSM cohort, during a median follow-up time of 60 months, there were no differences in PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.011; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.647-1.578; p = 0.963) or OS (HR 0.925; 95% CI 0.522-1.639; p = 0.789) between the adjacent and nonadjacent groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the tumor adjacent to the gallbladder was not an independent risk factor for PFS or OS (all p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed comparable PFS and OS between the two groups in the <3 cm subgroup and the 3-5 cm subgroups (all p > 0.05). In addition to more use of assistive technology (p < 0.05), the adjacent group shared comparable local tumor progression, complications, technical success rate, and hospital stay (all p > 0.05) to the nonadjacent group.

CONCLUSION

There were comparable long-term efficacy and complications between patients with HCC adjacent and nonadjacent to the gallbladder treated with MWA.

Prevention of major biliary complications by fusion imaging for thermal ablation of malignant liver tumors adjacent to the bile ducts: a preliminary comparative study

PURPOSE

Ultrasound (US)-guided thermal ablation (TA) may cause major biliary complications, particularly in patients with malignant liver tumors (MLTs) adjacent to the bile ducts. Fusion imaging (FI), is postulated to reduce complication rate; however, there is a lack of clinical data to support this theory. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FI for TA of MLTs proximal to the bile ducts.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center review was conducted on a total of 289 patients with 316 MLTs adjacent to the bile ducts. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether FI was used in the ablation procedures. The choice of the FI-assisted procedure always depends on different operation periods and whether registrations will succeed. The baseline demographics and outcomes of these patients were compared. The efficacy was determined at the 1-month follow-up using contrast-enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance. Biliary complications and local tumor progression were subsequently followed-up every 3-6 months. The last follow-up visit was before August 30, 2019.

RESULTS

Among the included tumors, the incidence rate of major biliary complications after ablation in the FI group was 1.6%, which was significantly lower than that in the non-FI group (7.9%, p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the efficacy rates of the techniques [99.5% (185/186) versus 98.4% (123/125), p = 0.56] or local progression rates [3.8% (7/185) versus 5.7% (7/123), p = 0.61] between the FI and non-FI groups.

CONCLUSION

FI for US-guided TA could be a noninvasive means to decrease major biliary complications. Trial registration number and date of registration: retrospectively registered.

Liver resection versus liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria: a meta-analysis of 18,421 patients

Background

Outcomes after liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are heterogenous and may vary by region, over time periods and disease burden. We aimed to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between LT versus LR for HCC within the Milan criteria.

Methods

Two authors independently searched Medline and Embase databases for studies comparing survival after LT and LR for patients with HCC meeting the Milan criteria. Meta-analyses and metaregression were conducted using random-effects models.

Results

We screened 2,278 studies and included 35 studies with 18,421 patients. LR was associated with poorer OS [hazard ratio (HR) =1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.81; P<0.01] and DFS (HR =2.71; 95% CI: 2.23-3.28; P<0.01) compared to LT, with similar findings among intention-to-treat (ITT) studies. In uninodular disease, OS in LR was comparable to LT (P=0.13) but DFS remained poorer (HR =2.95; 95% CI: 2.30-3.79; P<0.01). By region, LR had poorer OS versus LT in North America and Europe (P≤0.01), but not Asia (P=0.25). LR had inferior survival versus LT in studies completed before 2010 (P=0.01), but not after 2010 (P=0.12). Cohorts that underwent enhanced surveillance had comparable OS after LT and LR (P=0.33), but cohorts undergoing usual surveillance had worse OS after LR (HR =1.95; 95% CI: 1.24-3.07; P<0.01).

Conclusions

Mortality after LR for HCC is nearly 50% higher compared to LT. Survival between LR and LT were similar in uninodular disease. The risk of recurrence after LR is threefold that of LT.

A randomized control study on anesthetic effects of flurbiprofen axetil combined with propofol on patients with liver cancer receiving microwave ablation

Objective:

To evaluate the anesthetic effects of flurbiprofen axetil combined with propofol on patients with liver cancer receiving microwave ablation.

Methods:

Sixty patients (SA grade: I-II) who underwent microwave ablation for liver cancer in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2019 were selected and randomly divided into a study group and a control group (n=30) that were anesthetized through target-controlled infusion of propofol combined with intravenous infusion of flurbiprofen axetil and target-controlled infusion of propofol alone, respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), numerical rating scale (NRS) score, adverse reactions and anesthetic effects (induction time, recovery time) of the two groups were compared before anesthesia (T0), at the beginning of puncture (T1), at the beginning of microwave ablation (T2), at the end of microwave ablation (T3) and one hour after surgery (T4).

Results:

MAP and HR of the study group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05) at T2. There was no difference in SpO₂ between the two groups (P>0.05). The anesthesia induction time and recovery time of the study group were significantly shorter than those of the control group (P<0.05). There was no difference in the NRS score between the two groups at T1 (P>0.05), but the study group had lower scores at T2-T4 (P<0.05). The incidence rate of postoperative adverse reactions was 13.33% in the study group and 46.67% in the control group, with a significant difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Flurbiprofen axetil in combination with propofol exert evident anesthetic effects on patients with liver cancer receiving microwave ablation. The time of preoperative anesthesia induction and postoperative recovery time can be markedly shortened, and intraoperative vital signs can be maintained stable. This method is thus worthy of clinical promotion.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with simultaneous DynaCT-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the method and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with simultaneous DynaCT-guided Microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From June 2015 to May 2017, a total of 28 consecutive patients with SHCC received single treatment of TACE and 23 subjects received a combination treatment of TACE with simultaneous DynaCT-guided MWA. Following 1 month of treatment, the tumor response was assessed using the mRECIST criteria and the outcomes were analyzed including intervention-associated complications, changes in liver function, imaging response, and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. The rates of CR (65%) in the combined TACE and MWA group were higher than those of the TACE group (46%). The rate of common adverse events, such as liver abscess, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and liver dysfunction, in the combined TACE and MWA group (56%) was comparable to the corresponding rate of the TACE group (P > 0.411). The median and mean PFS of the TACE group were significantly lower than those of the combined TACE and MWA group (19.00 months vs. 29.00 months, 21.076 months vs. 24.693 months, p = 0.019, log-rank test).

CONCLUSION

Stereotactic DynaCT-guided MWA is a safe and effective method for the treatment of SHCC, which usually provides an effective tumor puncture path, notably for lesions that cannot be detected following TACE. Overall, the data suggested that this treatment method could improve the clinical outcome of patients with SHCC.

Hepatic Microwave Ablation in Challenging Locations

In recent years, there has been increased utilization of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of soft tissue tumors. MWA has several theoretical advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA) by achieving a more rapid and sustained heating of tissues, increased efficacy in tissues with poor thermal conductivity, and less susceptibility to heat sink effect. While its greater power output has led to appropriate caution when applying this energy to soft tissue tumors, many commonly held beliefs regarding contraindications to MWA are unsupported by data and have been passed along based on experience with RFA. The goal of this article is to review the use of MWA in challenging clinical situations along with the existing evidence for its use.

Individualized Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Tailored Approaches across the Phenotype Spectrum

Ablation is now recommended by international guidelines for the definitive treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Extensive clinical studies have demonstrated outcomes comparable to surgical resection with shorter hospital stays, decreased costs, and improved quality of life. Successful ablation requires complete treatment of both tumor and margin while preserving critical adjacent structures. HCC exhibits highly variable presentations in both anatomic involvement and biology which have significant implications on choice of ablative therapy. There are now abundant ablation modalities and adjunctive techniques which can be used to individualize ablation and maximize curative results. This article provides a patient-centered summary of approaches to HCC ablation in the context of patient performance, hepatic reserve, tumor phenotype and biology, intra- and extrahepatic anatomy, and ablation technology.

Hydrodissection of the Gallbladder Bed: A Technique for Ablations Located Close to the Gallbladder

OBJECTIVE

To report the technique of hydrodissection of the gallbladder bed, in order to separate the gallbladder wall from the liver surface during microwave ablation of liver malignancies located in segment V.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2018 and March 2018, percutaneous hydrodissection of the gallbladder fossa was performed during four microwave ablation procedures in three patients (One patient was treated twice for the same lesion, making a total of four procedures for three lesions.) All treated lesions were located in segment V and abutting the gallbladder. Number of hydrodissection needles, volume of hydrodissection, repartition of hydrodissection, separation of tumour from the gallbladder post-hydrodissection, technical success of hydrodissection/ablation, and complications were recorded and evaluated.

RESULTS

Hydrodissection of the gallbladder fossa was technically feasible in all four procedures, and microwave ablation was performed at maximum power without any early interruption. Time to perform hydrodissection was 11.3 min on average (range 7-18 min). Minimal distance between the ablation area and the GB increased from virtual to 10 mm on average (range 6-13), with a mean volume of dissection of 65 ml (range 40-100). Technical success was 75%. There was no complication related to the hydrodissection itself, and no acute or delayed gallbladder complication.

CONCLUSION

Hydrodissection of the gallbladder bed is a feasible technique to separate the gallbladder from the liver surface. This could potentially decrease the risk of thermal injuries to the gallbladder wall when ablating tumours located in segment V.

Radiofrequency ablation of liver cancers adjacent to the gallbladder without gallbladder isolation under contrast-enhanced ultrasound monitoring: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of intra-procedural contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) monitoring of the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver cancers adjacent to gallbladder (GB) without GB isolation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 2016 to July 2017, patients with liver cancers adjacent to GB (≤10 mm) who intended to undergo ultrasound-guided RFA without GB isolation in our hospital were prospectively enrolled. During the RFA procedures, CEUS was employed to evaluate the therapeutic response and the perfusion of the intact GB wall. The outcomes of GB and liver cancers were followed up and recorded.

RESULTS

23 patients (18 male, 5 female) with 23 liver cancers (mean 18 mm, range 8-34 mm) adjacent to GB were enrolled. There were 12 tumors that abutted the GB while 11 tumors located within 10 mm of the GB. After the RFA procedures, intra-procedural CEUS evaluation demonstrated the perfusion of the GB wall was intact in all 23 patients and technical success rate of RFA was 100% (23/23). According to the contrast-enhanced CT/MR one month after RFA, the technical efficacy rate was 100% (23/23). During the follow-up period (range: 12-23 months, median: 17 months), no local tumor progression occurred and no major complications arised. Overall survival at 1-year was 100%. Thickening of GB wall was detected in 11 patients. The thickness of GB wall returned to the pre-ablation level in five patients.

CONCLUSION

CEUS-monitored RFA of liver cancers adjacent to GB without GB isolation was feasible, safe and effective.

Status and advancement of microwave ablation in China

Tumour ablation is defined as the direct application of chemical or thermal therapy to eradicate or substantially destroy a tumour. Currently, minimally invasive ablation techniques are available for the local destruction of focal tumours in multiple organ sites. Microwave ablation (MWA) is premised on the biological response of solid tumours to tissue hyperthermia, and it is a relatively low-risk procedure. Due to several advantages of MWA, including higher thermal efficiency, higher capability for coagulating blood vessels, faster ablation time and the simultaneous application of multiple antennae, MWA could be a promising minimally invasive ablation technique for the treatment of solid tumours. Therefore, the use of MWA has developed rapidly in China during the last decade. Many successful studies have been performed, and widespread use has been achieved for multiple types of tumours in China, especially for liver cancer. This review will describe the state-of-the-art of MWA in China, including the development of MWA equipment and its application in the treatment of multiple types of tumours.

Microwave ablation versus hepatic resection for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and oesophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the results of microwave ablation (MWA) and hepatic resection (HR) when combined with pericardial devascularisation plus splenectomy (PCDV) for the treatment of patients with cirrhosis complicated by small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and oesophageal variceal bleeding (EVB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2001 and 2013, 73 patients (median age 53.2 years, 67% male) with small HCC and concomitant EVB who underwent MWA or HR for HCC and PCDV for cirrhotic portal hypertension were selected retrospectively for inclusion in this study. The overall survival curves and recurrence-free survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression model.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 95.2%, 71.4% and 38.1% and 96.7%, 53.3% and 43.3% for the HR and MWA groups, respectively; these did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, patients in the HR group had more post-operative complications (52.3% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis identified albumin and bilirubin levels and tumour size to be statistically significant and independent prognostic factors for overall survival, while BCLC stage was associated with poor recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, albumin levels were shown to be an independent predictive factor for post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with small HCC and concomitant EVB, MWA plus PCDV may reduce the incidence of post-operative complications relative to and provide similar therapeutic benefits as HR plus PCDV, especially for patients with low albumin levels.

Hepatic Tumor Ablation

Tumor ablation is a safe and effective treatment available in the multidisciplinary care of the surgical oncology patient. The role of ablation is well established in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and is becoming more accepted in the treatment of various malignancies metastatic to the liver, in particular colorectal cancer. Understanding the underlying technology, achieving appropriate applicator placement, using maximum energy delivery to create margins, and performing necessary adjunctive maneuvers are all required for successful tumor ablation.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Caudate Lobe

Treatment for liver tumors in the caudate lobe is challenging because of their location and complex anatomy. This study was intended to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and tolerability of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave (MW) ablation for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the caudate lobe. From December 2011 to May 2015, a total of 20 patients (mean age: 62 ± 11 y) with HCC in the caudate lobe were enrolled in this study. Patient characteristics and tumor features were analyzed. The epigastric approach, intercostal approach and the combination were used in 4, 14 and 2 patients, respectively. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guidance and temperature monitoring were applied as ancillary techniques. Ethanol injection was performed for tumors adjacent to the inferior vena cava or hepatic hilum. Contrast images were performed to evaluate treatment response after ablation. Technical success, technique efficacy, local tumor progression and complications were documented. Technique efficacy was achieved in 18 patients (18/20, 90%). Two patients received (125)I brachytherapy as palliative therapy for residual tumors that could not be ablated technically after the first ablation. Technical success was achieved in 16 patients (16/20, 80%). In 2 patients, ablation was completed after two sessions. CEUS was applied in 5 patients and temperature monitoring in 2 patients. Eight patients received an ethanol injection during ablation. Eleven patients achieved a minimum 5-mm safety margins. Local tumor progression was detected in 3 patients (16.7%, 3/18) during a median follow-up of 18.4 mo (range: 3-45 mo). Tumors in these 3 patients were all larger than 2.0 cm. No major or minor complications were observed. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation combined with CEUS, temperature monitoring, and ethanol injection is a tolerable and relatively effective treatment for HCC in the caudate lobe.

Microwave ablation for liver tumors

Surveillance programs and widespread use of medical imaging have increased the detection of hepatic tumors. When feasible, surgical resection is widely accepted as the curative treatment of choice, but surgical morbidity and mortality has spurred the development of minimally invasive ablative technologies over the last 2 decades. Microwave ablation has emerged as a promising thermal ablation modality with improving oncologic efficacy due to technical improvements and image guidance strategies. This article provides an overview of microwave application in liver tumors, and we discuss currently available equipment, clinical efficacy, and safety and provide comparisons with other commonly used therapies. This article also introduces advanced ablative techniques and combination therapies that may help achieve precise ablation and further enhance the efficacy of microwave ablation.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation for primary non-parasitic splenic cysts in 15 patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation (PEA) for primary non-parasitic splenic cysts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 2006 and February 2015, 15 patients (4 men and 11 women; mean age, 33 ± 15.3 years; age range, 17-65 years) with primary non-parasitic splenic cysts were treated with US-guided PEA. 99.5% absolute ethanol in an amount of approximately 50%-100% of the aspirated volume was injected into each cyst and no more than 240 mL. Standard laboratory tests (hemogram, coagulation, serum, and biochemical tumor marker levels) were performed before and after PEA.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 18.7 months (range 2.8-59.2 months). During follow-up, seven cysts after treatment had disappeared completely, while the other eight cysts had decreased significantly in size. The 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month volume reduction rates were 49.7%, 87.6%, 94.3%, and 96.7%. Serum tumor marker CA19-9 levels significantly decreased. Mild adverse reactions included moderate pain in four (26.7%), unbearable pain in one (6.67%), fever in two (13.3%) and slight intracystic bleeding in one (6.67%). There were no serious complications.

CONCLUSION

US-guided PEA appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for management of primary non-parasitic splenic cysts.

Combination treatment of trans-arterial chemo-embolisation, radiotherapy and hyperthermia (CERT) for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombosis: Interim analysis of prospective phase II trial

Objectives This study evaluated the objective response to and toxicity of trans-arterial chemo-embolisation (TACE) followed by radiotherapy and hyperthermia (CERT) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumour thrombosis. Methods The study design was a single-centre prospective phase II trial. Patients were first treated with TACE, with the first hyperthermia session 1 week later. Respiration-gated radiotherapy (RT) was delivered in 10 fractions of 3-5 Gy after another week. Six sessions of hyperthermia were delivered twice a week according to an energy escalation protocol. Response evaluation was planned at 1 month after RT completion using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Toxicity was determined using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Results Interim analysis was conducted on patients enrolled from October 2013 to November 2014. During this period, 46 patients (90.2%) who received at least one hyperthermia session were eligible and enrolled. Median follow-up was 6.7 months (range 2.0-15.0 months). Complete response was observed in 10 (21.7%) patients and partial response in 27 (47.8%). Most toxicities were grade I or II. One death was related to severe pneumonia of unknown cause in the left lung and one patient could not complete planned treatment because of continuous elevation of bilirubin after TACE. Late, asymptomatic gastroduodenal toxicities were noticed in 13 (28.3%) patients. Conclusion Preliminary evaluation of CERT showed a promising response rate with acceptable toxicities.

Treatment of liver cancer of middle and advanced stages using ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection combined with radiofrequency ablation: A clinical analysis

Liver cancer is a malignancy of the digestive system and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Local intervention has become a viable option in identifying liver treatment. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical effects of treating liver cancer in middle and advanced stages using ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in tumors combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). A total of 100 patients with stage III-IV liver cancers were selected to participate in the study. Patients were divided into groups. In group A, treatment was initiated with PEI and after 1-2 weeks RFA was applied while in group B treatment was initiated with RFA and after 1-2 weeks PEI was applied. Patients in group C received PEI and RFA simultaneously. The clinical effects in the 3 groups were compared after 6-month follow ups. The volume of tumor ablation necrosis in group A was significantly greater than that in the groups B and C, while the size was significantly smaller compared to groups B and C after ablation. For group A, the complete ablation rate was significantly higher than that in groups B and C, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Liver damage indices, including raising levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and total bilirubin, were significantly decreased in group A (P<0.05). The survival rate in group A was also significantly higher than in groups B and C (P<0.05). In conclusion, for patients with liver cancer in middle and advanced stages, the treatment method using PEI followed by RFA was more beneficial in terms of improving the tumor ablation rate, alleviating liver damages and increasing survival rates.

Layered MoS2 nanoflowers for microwave thermal therapy

Layered BSA-MoS₂ nanoflowers are designed and synthesized as excellent microwave (MW) hyperthermia susceptive agents for in vivo cancer therapy via MW irradiation at 1.8 W, 450 MHz, which shows great potential for green tumor thermotherapy.

Electric Ablation with Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) in Vital Hepatic Structures and Follow-up Investigation

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) with microsecond-pulsed electric fields (μsPEFs) can effectively ablate hepatocellular carcinomas in animal models. This preclinical study evaluates the feasibility and safety of IRE on porcine livers. Altogether, 10 pigs were included. Computed tomography (CT) was used to guide two-needle electrodes that were inserted near the hilus hepatis and gall bladder. Animals were followed-up at 2 hours and at 2, 7 and 14 days post-treatment. During and after μsPEF ablation, electrocardiographs found no cardiovascular events, and contrast CT found no portal vein thrombosis. There was necrosis in the ablation zone. Mild cystic oedema around the gall bladder was found 2 hours post-treatment. Pathological studies showed extensive cell death. There was no large vessel damage, but there was mild endothelial damage in some small vessels. Follow-up liver function tests and routine blood tests showed immediate liver function damage and recovery from the damage, which correlated to the pathological changes. These results indicate that μsPEF ablation affects liver tissue and is less effective in vessels, which enable μsPEFs to ablate central tumour lesions close to the hilus hepatis and near large vessels and bile ducts, removing some of the limitations and contraindications of conventional thermal ablation.