Combined radiofrequency-surgical debulking of advanced abdomino-pelvic tumors

Background Advanced abdomino-pelvic tumors are often unresectable using surgery alone. The current study evaluated a combination of radiofrequency (RF) ablation (RFA) and surgical debulking for such lesions. Methods Between July 2003 and November 2004, we treated 16 patients. Fourteen had either pelvic side wall (n = 8), sacro-iliac joint (n = 4), or vertebral (n = 2) fixation. One tumor engulfed root of mesentery, the last involved stomach-liver-vena. All patients had received prior treatment. The RF probe was placed in the center of the tumor, a 4- to 6-cm tissue core ablated, and the core curetted out or aspirated. This was repeated centrifugally out to the tumor capsule. Results Control of the target lesion for more than 6 months was achieved in 10 (62%) patients; 2 died within 3 months, and 4 had tumor progression in less than 6 months. Median survival is 18+ months. Conclusions Combined RFA–surgical debulking was feasible and beneficial in 62%% of patients with otherwise inoperable abdomino-pelvic tumors.