[Chologenic abscess after radiofrequency ablation of a cholangiocellular carcinoma]

Persistent fever occurred after palliative radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) of a solitary liver metastasis in a 62-year-old patient with cholangiocarcinoma treated by cholecystectomy, lymph-adenectomy, resection of the ductus hepatocholedochus and biliodigestive anastomosis.

Tests for inflammatory disease were elevated. Sonography revealed an echo-free lesion in the region of the previous RFTA. Percutaneous drainage produced purulent material.

The liver abscess communicating with the bile duct system was drained and treated with antibiotics.

A liver abscess is a rare complication of RFTA. A preexisting biliodigestive anastomosis may be an independent risk factor for this rare complication.