Clinical study on safety of radiofrequency ablation for pancreatic tumors

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.