Context: Minimally invasive interventional therapy is now the more effective treatment strategy for organ-confined malignancy in patients who are poor candidates for surgery. Microwave ablation (MWA) in lung malignancy has been receiving much attention as an effective minimally invasive approach.
Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility within 24 h of discharge of patients treated with percutaneous MWA for inoperable malignant lung nodules, and elucidate the factors predisposing to hospital readmission.
Subjects and methods: From September 2014 to April 2016, a total of eighty patients with inoperable malignant lung nodules who underwent 24 h of discharge following percutaneous MWA were consecutively enrolled in this retrospective study. Primary endpoints included the rate of short-term admission and procedure-related complications within 30 days of hospital discharge. The secondary outcomes included the rate of technical success and hospital readmission.
Statistical analysis used: Student's t- test and Fisher exact test were used to analysis parametric and categorical variables accordingly.
Results: The technical success was achieved in 94% of ablation sessions. Within 24 h of discharge was feasible in 73 cases (91.3%), and 7 (8.7%) required short-term admission. The complication rate was 27.5% (22/80), included the major 40.9% (9/22) and minor 59.1% (13/22) complications. Postoperative adverse event was 17.5% (14/80), these was managed conservatively. The lesion location and puncture technique were associated with an increased need for readmission.
Conclusions: Routine 24 h discharge following percutaneous MWA for malignant lung nodules is safe and feasible, with relatively low complications and few requirements for short-term readmission.