Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of solid malignant tumors with Cool- tip needle:report of 102 cases

Objective To evaluate ‘Cool-tip nee dl e’ radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of solid tumors. MethodsIn this study, 102 patients w ith 157 tumors underwent RFA. Tumor size varied from 1.0cm to 20.0cm in d iameter. Result The comple te ablation(CA) rate was 83.5%(91/109)in tumors less than 5cm in diameter , and 35.4%(17/48)when tumors were larger than 5cm. RFA significantl y ameliorates symptoms in most lung cancer patients, and in 40%(4/10)patient s of pancreatic tumors. In the group receiving percutaneous RFA , no patients we re shifted to celiotomy, nor skin burn, or pneumothorax occurred. RFA for hepa tic tumors was complicated with abdominal pain in 13.4%(11/82), nausea in 6 .1%(5/82), jaundice in 9.7%(8/82), fever in 23.2%(19/82), and biliary leak age in 1.2%(1/82). Post RFA complications for pulmonary tumors included pain in 14.3%(1/7)and hypodermal gas accumulation in 14.3%(1/7). For pancrea tic tumors, pancreatic leakage in developed 20%(2/10), elevated blood amylas e in 70%(7/10), GI bleeding in 20%(2/10). Con clusions Treating solid tumors with ‘Cool-tip needle ’ RFA is efficient, reliable and safe, but great care should be taken in case o f pancreatic tumors.