Outcomes of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of malignant liver tumours is a well-established alternative to resection, particularly in patients with cirrhosis or severe comorbidities. We report on outcomes of laparoscopic RFA (LRFA) as an alternative to access via laparotomy for those tumours that are not amenable to the percutaneous route. Methods: This retrospective study evaluates the introduction of LRFA at a tertiary referral centre between November 2015 and December 2016. All patients were assessed by a multidisciplinary team and if deemed unsuitable for resection were considered for RFA. Those lesions that were inaccessible to percutaneous route such as in superior liver segments close to the diaphragm or at peripheral location underwent LRFA. Results: Six patients underwent LRFA, with one patient requiring conversion to laparotomy due to bleeding. Five patients had HCC and 1 patient had colonic cancer metastasis. All patients had a single lesion, mean size was 27.33 mm. Mean length of stay was 2.67 (range 1-7) days. Two patients suffered minor complications, no death occurred during the follow-up period. There were no local recurrences during the study period (mean follow-up 5.5 months, range 1-11). Conclusion: LRFA is a safe and effective approach to managing tumours deemed not amenable to resection or percutaneous RFA. This technique extends the option of curative treatment to this category of patients. Due to the small number of cases in this study more experience will be needed to confirm these results.