Technology for in situ ablation by laparoscopic and image-guided interstitial laser hyperthermia

The technical requirements have been fulfilled for the reliable clinical application of laser-induced thermotherapy for treating liver tumors. Laparotomy as well as percutaneous and laparoscopic access modes are available for this method. Thus, laser-induced thermotherapy is a true minimally invasive procedure for treating liver metastases. Presently, it is not possible to make a final assessment on the prognostic value of laser-induced thermotherapy in the treatment of liver tumors. However, recently published data justify the scheduling of a randomized study comparing laser-induced thermotherapy with standard surgical liver resection. In this article, thermobiological and technical principles as well as the different types of application modes for this method are described.