Randomized clinical trial of radiofrequency-assisted versus clamp-crushing liver resection

Authors: Lupo, L.; Gallerani, A.; Panzera, P.; Tandoi, F.; Di Palma, G.; Memeo, V.

Source: British Journal of Surgery, Volume 94, Number 3, March 2007 , pp. 287-291(5)

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract:

Background:

Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for primary and secondary liver cancer. Complications are mainly related to blood loss. Radiofrequency-assisted liver resection (RF-R) has been proposed for parenchymal division as an alternative to clamp crushing in order to reduce blood loss.

Methods:

Fifty patients (median age 62 (range 30-82) years) undergoing hepatectomy were randomized to RF-R (24 patients) or the clamp-crushing method (26). In the RF-R group the resection plane was precoagulated by multiple insertion of a planar triple-cooled radiofrequency ablation needle, and then the parenchyma was sectioned using a scalpel.

Results:

The two groups were well matched in terms of age, sex, liver disease and type of resection. There were no deaths. Eight in the RF-R group developed complications (abscess in six, biliary fistula in three and biliary stenosis in one) compared with none of those who had resection by the crush method (P < 0·001). Two patients with cirrhosis in each group developed decompensation. Blood transfusion was required in eight of 24 patients in the RF-R group and 13 of 26 in the clamp-crushing group (P = 0·079).

Conclusion:

RF-R allows parenchymal resection in a clean surgical field but is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications than the clamp-crushing technique. Copyright © 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Document Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bjs.5674

Publication date: 2007-03-01

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