Percutaneous Intraductal Radiofrequency Ablation for Malignant Biliary Obstruction Caused by Recurrence and Metastasis after Primary Tumor Resection

Abstract

Background: To assess the feasibility and safety of percutaneous intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for malignant biliary obstruction caused by recurrence and metastasis after primary tumor resection. Patients and Methods: Percutaneous intraductal biliary RFA and stent placement were performed in 19 consecutive patients with 24 RFA procedures. Procedure-related complications, stent patency, and survival after treatment were investigated. Results: During 30 days after each RFA procedure there was no 30-day mortality, hemorrhage, bile duct perforation, or pancreatitis. Of the 19 patients, 2 are still alive and 17 are dead with a median survival time of 6.0 (range 1.2-16) months and a median stent patency of 3.2 (range 1.2-14) months. 10 patients had their stent patent at the time of last follow-up or death. 3 patients with stent blockage at 50, 182, and 200 days post procedure underwent repeat ablation. 1 patient with stent blockage underwent 2 repeat RFA procedures at 192 days after the first ablation and at 86 days after the repeat ablation. Conclusion: Percutaneous intraductal RFA is a technically safe and feasible therapeutic option for palliative treatment of these selected patients.