[Radiofrequency-assisted liver resection. Analysis of a group of consecutive patients treated at a single centre]

To evaluate clinical experience with radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resection in patients with metastatic liver disease.

A group of consecutive patients who underwent liver resection using the RF-assisted technique were prospectively followed.

Between July 2005 and September 2006, 65 liver resections were performed, among these, 40 procedures were performed using the RF technique for metastatic disease. The mean operative time was 141 (range 64-233) minutes, and the mean duration of RF parenchyma coagulation of the resected surface was 17.5 (range 2-32.5) minutes; mean 10 (range 9-12) minutes in the case of right hemihepatectomy. Blood transfusions associated with the operation were administered in 3 (7.5%) patients. The mean number of transfusion units of red blood cells administered was 0.2 (range 0-3). Liver resection was complicated by biliary fistula in 1 patient (2.5%) after mesohepatectomy, hepatic abscess was observed in 1 patient (2.5%) and subdiaphragmatic abscess was observed in 2 patients (5%).

This study indicates that RF-assisted resection may have a benefit in decreasing perioperative blood loss and the volume of transfused blood, without a higher incidence of wound and infectious complications. An increased incidence of pleural effusions that required evacuation was noted.