Application of cryogenic technologies in complicated cases of surgical treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Case report

Abstract

Surgical resection is a standard treatment strategy for both primary and secondary malignant liver neoplasms. Liver transplantation is considered the most effective treatment method for colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Palliative debulking liver resection is one of the optimal alternative procedures for patients ineligible for a liver transplant, as it improves overall survival. Resectability rates depend on the functional efficiency of the remaining portion of the liver, which can be improved by increasing the future liver remnant. The application of cryogenic technologies for the ablation of a residual tumour invading the intraparenchymal segments of the major hepatic vessel may have advantages in cases where it is impossible to expand the scope of the surgical intervention due to the insufficiency of the future liver remnant and/or the presence of severe concomitant pathology.
 Objective — to present a case report of cryogenic technology application in complicated cases of surgical treatment of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases.
 Case report. The case report presents an experience of cryoablation of the metastasis tissue with invasion into the intraparenchymal portal branch of Sg III, which was revealed during the I stage of the split in situ/ligation of the portal vein (ALPPS) liver resection. Cryoablation was performed by the application method with a single cryocycle and spontaneous thawing. Device — Cryo‑Pulse (Ukraine). Cryoagent — liquid nitrogen (T ‑180...‑196°С). Exposure time was 3 min. The specific complications associated with cryoablation were not observed.
 Conclusions. The application of cryogenic technologies for combined debulking surgical treatment of malignant focal liver lesions may be a safe treatment option in cases of residual tumour invasion into portal vein branches. The study is still ongoing.