Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

PURPOSE: Hydroinfusion is a commonly used ancillary procedure during percutaneous thermal ablation of the liver that is used to separate and protect sensitive structures from the ablation zone. However, risks of hydroinfusion have not been systematically studied. The purpose of the present study was to systematically examine the frequency and severity of local and systemic complications related to hydroinfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to April 2012, 410 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous thermal hepatic tumor ablation. One hundred fifty patients in the study group underwent hydroinfusion and 260 in the control group did not. Patient charts and imaging studies of both groups were reviewed to compare incidences of complications that could potentially be caused by hydroinfusion, including pleural effusion, bowel injury, infection, electrolyte imbalance, and hyperglycemia. RESULTS: Pleural effusions were found to occur more commonly in the hydroinfusion group (45.3%) than in the control group (16.5%). Pleural effusions were significantly larger (P < .001) and more likely to be symptomatic (six of 150 patients; P = .006) in the hydroinfusion group than in the control group (one of 260 patients). Multiple patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed for association with development of major hydroinfusion-type complications (requiring therapy or extended/repeat hospitalization). Subcapsular location of tumor was the only variable to reach statistical significance (P = .009), with all major hydroinfusion-type complications (n = 10) occurring in patients with subcapsular tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Hydroinfusion is a safe procedure overall. However, pleural effusions occur commonly after hydroinfusion, tend to be moderate or large in size, and are occasionally symptomatic.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jvir.2013.12.562

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Vasc Interv Radiol

Publication Date

07/2014

Volume

25

Pages

1118 - 1124

Keywords

Aged, Carcinoma, Hepatocellular, Catheter Ablation, Female, Fluid Therapy, Glucose, Humans, Infusions, Parenteral, Liver Neoplasms, Male, Middle Aged, Pleural Effusion, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Treatment Outcome