Dynamic Observation of Pathological Changes of Rabbit Livers after Radiofre-quency Ablation

Objective: By dynamic observation of the changes of rabbit livers in ultrasonic image, pathological appearance at different time after radiofrequency ablation, this study was to investigate the pathological basis of these changes of radiofrequency ablation. Methods: Under guiding of ultrasound, 25 adult New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to 10 minutes radiofrequency ablation treatment in target areas of their livers. After the treatment, 25 rabbits were divided randomly and equally into 5 groups, and were executed at different time (immediately, one week, two weeks, three weeks and four weeks, respectively). The ablation areas were observed by ultrasound and macroscopy. Moreover, tissue samples were taken to be examined by light microscopy. Results: Ultrasonic image of these ablation areas at different time had its own characteristics, which was caused by pathological reaction including irreversible coagulation necrosis, vaporization and secondary fibrous encapsulation, liquefaction, calcification that occurred in the rabbit livers after radiofrequency ablation. Conclusion: The ultrasonic image of the rabbit livers after radiofrequency ablation was the reflection of the pathological changes, and also was the reliable reference of radiofrequency ablation therapeutic effect.