Radiofrequency-Assisted Liver Resection: Higher Incidence of Infectious Complications ?

Abstract

Aim : To evaluate clinical experience with radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resection in non-cirrhotic and non-cholestatic patients with metastatic liver disease.Methods: A group of consecutive patients who underwent RF-assisted liver resection for metastatic liver disease was prospectively followed.Results : Between July 2005 and April 2008, 95 liver RF-assisted liver resections were performed, 71 of them for metastatic liver disease. The mean hospital stay was 14 (range 5–40) days. The mean operation time was 141 (range 64233) minutes. The mean duration of RF coagulation was 10 (range 9–12) minutes. A total of 37 complications in 24 (33%) patients were recorded, including 12 (16.9%) infected collections in resection line that had to be drained percutaneously. The 30-day postoperative mortality was zero.Conclusion : This study indicates that RF-assisted resection may have a benefit in decreasing peroperative blood loss and the number of blood transfusions. Nevertheless, an increased incidence of infectious complications and pleural effusions that required evacuation was noted.