Patterns of complications following intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for liver metastases.

Background: Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IRFA) is added to surgery to obtain hepatic clearance of liver metastases. Complications occurring in IRFA should differ from those associated with wedge or anatomic liver resection.

Methods: Patients with liver metastases treated with IRFA from 2000 to 2010 were retrospectively analysed.

Complications of intraoperative radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases.

Background: Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IRFA) of liver metastases can be used to treat patients with complex tumours that are unsuitable for parenchymal resection alone. This systematic review assesses the frequency, patterns and severity of complications associated with this procedure.

Methods: We carried out a bibliographic search on MEDLINE focused on IRFA for liver metastases, excluding hepatocarcinomas, and on intraoperative use, excluding percutaneous application.