Necrotizing pancreatitis after radiofrequency destruction of pancreatic tumours.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative radiofrequency (RF) can be used to treat multiple small pancreatic tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients with multiple pancreatic metastases from renal cancer were treated with RF destruction of the pancreatic tumours. The first was treated with a monopolar device and the second with a bipolar device. A high temperature (>90 degrees C) was used, and one patient underwent cooling of the intrapancreatic common bile duct. RESULTS: The destruction of tumours was effective. However, the two patients presented post-operatively a severe necrotizing pancreatitis, with life-threatening hemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSION: RF destruction of pancreatic tumours is dangerous with current devices.