Semin intervent Radiol 2011; 28(2): 187-192
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280662
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Tract Seeding Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prevention, Detection, and Management

Nishant Kumar1 , Ron C. Gaba1 , M. Grace Knuttinen1 , Benedictta O. Omene1 , Brandon K. Martinez1 , Charles A. Owens1 , James T. Bui1
  • 1Section in Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 June 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become an important tool in the armamentarium of interventional oncology, particularly in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic tumors. This procedure has proven to be an effective adjunct in treating hepatic tumors as a bridge to liver transplantation, and has a low complication profile. Although adverse events are rare and usually minor, a notable negative outcome is dissemination and implantation of viable tumor cells into the route of applicator entry, or tract seeding. Counter to the goal of treating a patient's cancer, this results in metastatic disease. In this report, the authors present 2 cases of tract seeding after RFA, methods of detection, and means of reducing the incidence of this relatively rare, but significant, complication.

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Ron C GabaM.D. 

Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago

1740 West Taylor Street, MC 931, Chicago, IL 60612

Email: rgaba@uic.edu