Microscopic assessment of the tissue-sparing potential of radiofrequency-assisted liver resection techniques in a porcine model.

Background: The aim of the present study was to microscopically assess the tissue-sparing potential of contemporary radiofrequency-assisted liver resection (RF-LR) techniques.

Methods: Twenty-four pigs were subjected to either (1) partial hepatectomy (PH) using the sequential-coagulate-cut (SCC) technique (group SCC, n = 6) using a monopolar electrode, the technique using the bipolar electrode Habib-4X (group H, n = 6) or the "crush-clamp" technique (group CC, n = 6); or (2) sham operation (group Sham, n = 6). At 48 h post-operation, liver parenchyma proximal to the ablation rim was excised for histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptosis (antibody M30) and inflammatory response (antibodies IL-6, TNFα and NFκB).

Results: Histopathologic index increased from the 1 to the 4 , the 1 to the 2 or only the 1 cm from the inner margin of the ablation rim in group SCC, H or CC, respectively. The index was higher in group SCC compared to the other groups. Tissue expression of M30, IL-6, TNFα and NFκB increased in all PH groups, being higher and more expanded in group SCC, H, SCC and SCC, respectively.

Conclusions: RF-LR techniques had variable microscopically assessed tissue-sparing effect. The Habib-4X proved to be less injurious compared to the SCC Belgrade technique regarding the severity and extent of tissue damage proximal to the ablation rim.