Usefulness of microwave tissue coagulator (MTC) for resection of hepatic malignant tumor in childhood

Abstract

Hepatic resection using microwave tissue coagulator have often been performed for liver malignant tumor in adults. But usefulness and safety about hepatic resection in children have not been established. In four cases (2 males and 2 females ) of liver malignant tumor in children, we performed hepatic resection using MTC, and evaluated postoperative complication, blood loss during operation and period of drainage. In all cases, postoperative courses were smooth and any severe complications did not developed. The blood loss were less than 20 ml/kg except one case who had tumor thrombosis in the right portal vein and average period of drainage was 19.5 days.One case who had multiple lesions and tumor thrombus died 6 months after operation, but other cases are alive now with no evidence of recurrence in follow up period rainging from 41 to 52 months. Hepatic resection using MTC is thus considered to be a useful and safe method for malignant liver tumor in children.