Evidence for tumor cell spread during local hepatic ablation of colorectal liver metastases.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of cryosurgery (CRYO) on liver metastases compared to other thermoablative techniques. In a rat liver metastases model, evidence for tumor cell spread was analyzed comparing CRYO, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT).

Methods: In an experimental study, we compared cell spillage in the washout of isolated perfused rat livers undergoing thermal ablation.