Complications from percutaneous microwave ablation of liver tumours: a pictorial review

Br J Radiol. 2019 Jul;92(1099):20180864. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20180864. Epub 2019 May 13.

Abstract

Percutaneous microwave ablation of liver tumours is a well-established technique that has been proven to be effective in the curative and palliative treatment of small volume primary and secondary liver tumours. Microwave ablation is designed to achieve larger areas of necrosis compared to radiofrequency ablation and has a good safety profile among liver tumour treatments. Mortality is unreported and major complications are rare. Knowledge of potential complications is essential for interventional radiologists performing liver ablation in order to reduce patient morbidity. The aim of this review is to illustrate major complications post microwave ablation in a pictorial format as well as a discussion on how best to avoid these complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques / methods*
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / surgery
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Microwaves
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome