Unexplained liver hemorrhage after metastasis radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is increasing used in the field of oncology. Although some studies have found low rates of complications, ranging from 2.4% to 8.9%, the rate of intraperitoneal haemorrhage is low (0.46%-1.6%) but relevant because this technique is increasingly used with few selection criteria for patients. The reported reasons for haemorrhage are usually related to mechanical injuries to the liver blood vessels and occur most often in patients with cirrhosis. Other cases have been attributed to serious coughing or hiccups after the radiofrequency treatment which might cause increased abdominal pressure and tumour rupture.

Liver laceration has rarely been described as a cause of haemorrhage. This complication has been associated with inappropriate electrode positioning or mechanical injury of the soft liver during the procedure and possibly displacing the electrode slightly. Although the procedure may go well, the patient could present with this type of complication without known risk factors. This makes it absolutely essential to minimise complications associated with radiofrequency ablation treatments, and to correctly deal with complications which do arise. In all these cases it is relevant to closely observe patients after this procedure to provide early intervention to minimise the damage and severity of complications.

More information: Uña E, Trueba J, Montes JM. Unexplained liver laceration after metastasis radiofrequency ablation. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15(40): 5103-5105 http://www.wjgnet. … /15/5103.asp

Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology (news : web)