Dynamic observation of pathological changes of rabbit livers after radiofrequency ablation

Objective To investigate the pathological changes of rabbit livers after radiofrequency albation and their pathological basis.Methods With the aid of ultrasound,25 adult New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to 10 min radiofrequency ablation treatment in the target areas of their livers.After the treatment,25 rabbits were divided randomly and equally into 5 groups,and were executed at different time points (immediately,1 week,2 weeks,3 weeks and 4 weeks,respectively).The ablation areas were observed by ultrasound and macroscopy.Moreover,tissue samples were taken to be examined under light microscopy.Results Ultrasonic image of these ablation areas at different time points 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.