Arshiya Ahsan - Department of Radiology
Percutaneous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to eliminate a tumor, in a particular organ, by utilizing energy in the form of chemicals, heat, or cryoablation. A specialized needle is carefully inserted into the organ and directed toward the tumor with the guidance of an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan. The needle serves a dual purpose as it effectively executes the tumor with the energy source while curtailing any impairments to the healthy tissue of the target organ. This treatment does not necessitate a lengthy recovery period, and the minute incision through which it is performed induces few side effects. While infection does not typically complicate this operation, should it occur, fatal outcomes can ensue. Among the risks of extending the hospital stay and adversely affecting the patient’s overall health, a postoperative infection can also contribute to tumor progression, leading to a recurrence of the cancerous cells.
This study was intended to predict the occurrence of infection following percutaneous thermal ablation of cancerous liver tissue [1]. The results found the incidence rate to be 1.1%; i.e. out of 7,545 procedures, 80 patients suffered from a postoperative infection after undergoing ablation, with eight of those patients dying with such complications. In another relevant article, “empirical antibiotics and catheterization” were mentioned as strategies “to reduce pressure inside the lesion, [thus minimizing] symptoms in patients with postoperative infection” [2].
In closing, while radiology-assisted thermal ablation is a reliable and successful method for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), a conscious effort, including meticulous monitoring, should be taken to greatly mitigate infectious symptoms.
References:
Li X, Zhang Y, Wang X, et al. Predicting infectious complications after percutaneous thermal ablation of liver malignancies: A 12-year single-center experience. Radiology. 2023;308(2). doi:10.1148/radiol.223091
Zhang Y, Li X, Zhang X, et al. Analysis of infectious complications after thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma and the impact on long-term survival. Cancers. 2022;14(21):1-19. doi:10.3390/cancers14215198
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