Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the safety of radiofrequency ablation(RFA) for unresectable pancreatic tumors.
Methods: During January 2002 to December 2007,78 patients with unresectable pancreatic tumor were treated by open cool-tip RFA.Clinical records of complications were retrospectively studied.
Results: Temporary fever occurred in all patients,and transient elevated blood anylase occurred in part of patients,and no celiac bleeding and no celiac abscess.The incidence of post-operation complications was 7.69%(6/78),and the mortality was 3.85%(3/78).In the 6 cases,two were pancreatic leakage,one was upper gastrointestinal bleeding,one was acute severe pancreatitis,and the other two were vassular complications.
Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation for unresectable pancreatic tumors is generally safe and feasible.However,it may cause severe and life-threatening complications.The management of RFA must be prudent and careful.