Absorbable Gelatin Hydrodissection in Hepatic Thermal Ablations: Initial Outcomes

Absorbable gelatin sponge hydrodissection was used in 31 cases of hepatic thermal ablation (23 microwave ablations and 8 radiofrequency ablations) to avoid injury to adjacent vital organs. The degree of vital organ displacement (mm), periprocedural complications, and treatment effectiveness (nonviability of tumor) were evaluated. Desired vital organ displacement (≥5 mm) was achieved in 97% of cases, there were no cases of organ injury identified, and 96% of ablated tumors were deemed nonviable at first contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging follow-up (3.3 months [SD ± 1.3]). This experience demonstrated absorbable gelatin hydrodissection to be a novel, feasible, and safe adjunct to thermal ablation of tumors adjacent to the stomach, small bowel, colon, and gallbladder. Continued investigation, including comparison with other thermoprotective modalities, is warranted.