Is Stereotactic Microwave Ablation of Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastasis an Alternative for Liver Resection in Covid19 Pandemic?

Abstract

Purpose: Recent studies showed no difference in overall survival between microwave ablation (MWA) and resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) ≤ 3cm. Percutaneous MWA (pMWA) under CT guidance is less invasive than surgical ablation but less accurate due to “free-hand” puncture, resulting in higher rates of incomplete ablation and local recurrence. Moreover, lesions in segments 1, 2, 4A, 7, 8 are difficult to reach by “free-hand” approach. Stereotactic navigation allows accurate puncture in all liver segments.