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Effective hepatic cryoablation: does it enhance tumor dissemination?
S A El-Shakhs1, S A Shimi, A Cuschieri
1Department of Surgery, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Perth Road, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK.
World Journal of Surgery
|February 6, 1999
Summary
Hepatic cryosurgery for liver tumors did not increase tumor spread in rats. Effective tumor ablation requires reaching -38°C or lower at the iceball edge.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Cryosurgery is an established treatment for liver tumors.
- Controversy exists regarding the optimal subzero temperature for cryoablation.
- Previous research suggested cryosurgery might enhance tumor dissemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk of tumor dissemination associated with hepatic cryosurgery.
- To determine the critical subzero temperature for effective hepatic tumor cryoablation.
Main Methods:
- Rat liver tumors were induced via direct injection of colonic carcinoma cells.
- Animals were divided into control and cryosurgery treatment groups.
- Tumor dissemination and cryoablation effectiveness were assessed post-sacrifice.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary metastases occurred in 75% of controls vs. 38% of cryosurgery-treated rats (p=0.11).
- Peritoneal deposits were not significantly altered by cryosurgery (p=0.5).
- Complete tumor ablation was achieved only when temperatures reached -38°C or below.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic cryosurgery does not appear to enhance tumor dissemination.
- A minimum temperature of -38°C at the iceball edge is necessary for effective cryoablation.
- This study provides evidence for safe and effective cryosurgical parameters in liver tumor treatment.