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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Method to Manipulate Surface Tension of a Liquid Metal via Surface Oxidation and Reduction
Published on: January 26, 2016
The use of a "liquid" electrode in hepatic electrolysis
J Guy Finch1, Beverley G Fosh, Adrian A Anthony
1Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia 5011, Australia.
Background:
The use of direct current electrolysis as a local nonthermal ablative technique for colorectal liver metastases promises to be a simple, safe, and effective therapy. Under general anesthesia, electrolysis is presently limited to tumors smaller than 5 cm, due to the protracted nature of its administration. In an attempt to enhance the effect of electrolysis, a direct current was passed through a preinjected bolus of acetic acid.
Methods:
The effect of a combination of electrolysis and an injection of acetic acid was tested in the liver of eight normal pigs. The volumes of necrosis caused were analyzed.
Results:
Acetic acid independently produced a volume of necrosis but did not provide a volumetric or rate advantage when used in combination with a direct current. Statistically, the only main effect on the volume of necrosis was a result of electrolysis.
Conclusion:
The use of 50% acetic acid to augment the efficacy of direct current electrolysis cannot be recommended.
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