Bipolar radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic giant (>10 cm) hepatic cavernous haemangiomas: Initial clinical experience

Aim To describe initial clinical experience with bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for symptomatic giant hepatic haemangiomas. Materials and methods Four consecutive patients with a large-volume, symptomatic hepatic cavernous haemangioma of >10 cm were treated with bipolar RFA during laparotomy with ultrasound guidance. Complications were carefully noted. Clinical and radiological effectiveness were evaluated comparing baseline with 3 and 6 months follow-up of symptom assessments and upper abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Results RFA was successfully performed for all four giant haemangiomas. No major complications were observed. Peri-procedural shrinking was remarkable and intermediate-term volume reduction ranged from 58–92% after 6 months. Symptom relief after 6 months was complete in two patients and considerable in the other two. Conclusion Preliminary results suggest intra-operative bipolar RFA to be a safe, feasible, and effective technique for treatment of giant symptomatic hepatic cavernous haemangiomas.