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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Transthoracic hepatic radiofrequency ablation.
N N Lee1, R W O'Rourke, J Cheng
1Oregon Health & Science University Medical School, Portland, OR, USA.
Surgical Endoscopy
|June 3, 2005
Summary
Transthoracic transdiaphragmatic radiofrequency ablation (TTRFA) offers a safe and effective treatment for unresectable hepatic tumors located under the diaphragm. This minimally invasive approach avoids complications and ensures no tumor recurrence during follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment option for unresectable liver tumors.
- Tumors located beneath the diaphragm present access challenges for laparoscopic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a transthoracic transdiaphragmatic approach for RFA (TTRFA) in treating hepatic tumors.
- To assess TTRFA as a viable alternative for difficult-to-access liver tumors.
Main Methods:
- Three patients with hepatic metastatic disease underwent thoracoscopy.
- Transdiaphragmatic ultrasound guided the identification of tumors in liver segments 7 and 8.
- Transthoracic transdiaphragmatic radiofrequency ablation (TTRFA) was performed.
Main Results:
- TTRFA successfully ablated five lesions across three patients.
- No perioperative complications or significant blood loss were observed.
- Postoperative hospital stays ranged from 2 to 8 days, with no recurrences during 4-20 months of follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Transthoracic transdiaphragmatic RFA (TTRFA) is a feasible treatment for hepatic tumors beneath the diaphragm.
- This approach provides a safe and effective alternative when laparoscopic access is challenging.
