Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation in Colorectal Cancer: Initial Clinical Results of a New Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Device

PURPOSE: There are a number of alternative approaches to palliate cancers of the rectosigmoid, which may not be well tolerated or produce effective symptom relief. Therefore, there is a continuing need to develop alternative techniques for palliation. This paper reports our initial assessment of a new bipolar radiofrequency probe (Endoblate™). METHODS: Twelve patients with rectosigmoid tumors were treated with Endoblate™ during transanal endoscopic microsurgery. In ten patients, this was followed by surgical resection and two patients were treated with Endoblate™ alone. This study was designed to assess the technical utility of the device, immediate complications, and histologic effect. RESULTS: There were no technical problems. In the patients who had resection of the tumor immediately after ablation (n = 10), there were no local complications evident at surgery. Histology of the resected specimens showed that, on average, 82 (range, 60-99) percent of the tumor mass was destroyed in the ablation zone. In the remaining two patients, Endoblate™ alone was used successfully to stop bleeding from the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results illustrate the evolution and endoscopic application of bipolar radiofrequency technology. Endoblate™ showed potential as a useful and safe tool for the palliation of lower gastrointestinal malignancy.