Hepatic radiofrequency ablation.

Abstract

RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) energy has become a popular means of tumor ablation in recent years. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used to destroy malignant lesions of the lung, kidney, bone, adrenal glands, spleen, breast, lymph nodes, pelvis, prostate, neural tissue, and liver.^1-8 The concept of tumor ablation has been used for more than 100 years. Many ablation modalities have been used, including cryoablation, alcohol ablation, laser, and microwave energy.⁹ Most recently, the use of RF energy for tumor ablation is becoming commonplace, most likely owing to its ease of use and availability, the multiple approaches of probe delivery, the wide range of applications, and the effectiveness of treatment.¹⁰ This study reports the RFA experience with hepatic tumors at a large tertiary referral center.