The use of a "liquid" electrode in hepatic electrolysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of direct current electrolysis as a local nonthermal ablative technique for colorectal liver metastases promises to be a simple, safe, and effective therapy. Under general anesthesia, electrolysis is presently limited to tumors smaller than 5 cm, due to the protracted nature of its administration. In an attempt to enhance the effect of electrolysis, a direct current was passed through a preinjected bolus of acetic acid. METHODS: The effect of a combination of electrolysis and an injection of acetic acid was tested in the liver of eight normal pigs. The volumes of necrosis caused were analyzed. RESULTS: Acetic acid independently produced a volume of necrosis but did not provide a volumetric or rate advantage when used in combination with a direct current. Statistically, the only main effect on the volume of necrosis was a result of electrolysis. CONCLUSION: The use of 50% acetic acid to augment the efficacy of direct current electrolysis cannot be recommended.