Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

Aim. To present the first experience of EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of patients with functioning neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Materials and methods. Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation was performed in 2 patients with insulin-producing neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreatic head and clinical picture of organic hyperinsulinism. The radiofrequency ablation system includes a 19-gauge needle electrode to be conducted through the forceps aperture, a generator and an intraelectrode cooling system. Results. The efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the cases presented above appears to be clinically proven. The outcomes include stabilization of the blood glucose level, a complete elimination of hypoglycemia-associated clinical symptoms. Both observations reveal no complications after the procedure. Conclusion. EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation appears to possess a potential for wider application as a minimally invasive intervention, thus introducing an alternative to surgical treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. An experience of EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation is worth to be accumulated and outcomes of the method application to be analyzed on a larger number of clinical observations.