Multiple-Electrode Radiofrequency Ablation of Symptomatic Hepatic Cavernous Hemangioma

WEB This is a Web exclusive article. epatic cavernous hemangioma is a common benign neoplasm of the liver present in as many as 20% of bodies at autopsy [1]. Hemangioma generally has a benign course and rarely necessitates intervention of any kind. Some hemangiomas, however, are symptomatic and can cause hepatic hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, and jaundice [2]. Current medical therapy for symptomatic hemangioma is largely ineffective, and surgical removal, although effective, is associated with high morbidity [3–5]. We describe the use of radiofrequency ablation in the minimally invasive management of a large symptomatic hepatic hemangioma. When this article was first submitted to and accepted for publication, it was the first to describe use of a multipleelectrode radiofrequency ablation system based on a switching algorithm in treatment of a tumor in a human [6].