BACKGROUND: One of the most promising but unexplored methods for treating patients with irresectable liver tumours is electrolysis. This study examined the effect of increasing 'current dose' on the volume of the lesion induced in normal rat liver. METHODS: A direct current generator, connected to platinum electrodes implanted in the rat liver, was used to examine the effect of (1) varying current doses from 1 to 5 coulombs and (2) electrode separation (2 or 20 mm), on the volume of liver necrosis. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation (P < 0.001) between the current dose and the volume of necrosis produced for each electrode separation. Placing the electrodes 2 mm apart resulted in smaller total volumes of necrosis than placing them 20 mm apart when anode lesions were significantly larger than cathode lesions (P< 0.05). Liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) were significantly raised 1 day after treatment (P < 0.001) and predicted the total volume of hepatic necrosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Predictable and reproducible areas of liver necrosis are produced with electrolysis. If these results extrapolate to larger animal models, this technique has potential for patients with irresectable primary and secondary liver tumours.
BACKGROUND: One of the most promising but unexplored methods for treating patients with irresectable liver tumours is electrolysis. This study examined the effect of increasing 'current dose' on the volume of the lesion induced in normal rat liver. METHODS: A direct current generator, connected to platinum electrodes implanted in the rat liver, was used to examine the effect of (1) varying current doses from 1 to 5 coulombs and (2) electrode separation (2 or 20 mm), on the volume of liver necrosis. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation (P < 0.001) between the current dose and the volume of necrosis produced for each electrode separation. Placing the electrodes 2 mm apart resulted in smaller total volumes of necrosis than placing them 20 mm apart when anode lesions were significantly larger than cathode lesions (P< 0.05). Liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) were significantly raised 1 day after treatment (P < 0.001) and predicted the total volume of hepatic necrosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Predictable and reproducible areas of liver necrosis are produced with electrolysis. If these results extrapolate to larger animal models, this technique has potential for patients with irresectable primary and secondary liver tumours.
Authors: C P Morrison; F G Court; S A Wemyss-Holden; B D Teague; A Burrell; M Texler; M S Metcalfe; A R Dennison; G J Maddern Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2004-08-24 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: Gianpiero Gravante; Seok Ling Ong; Kevin West; Angus McGregor; Guy J Maddern; Matthew S Metcalfe; David M Lloyd; Ashley R Dennison Journal: Pathol Oncol Res Date: 2012-06-17 Impact factor: 3.201
Authors: Benjamin Swift; Andrew Strickland; Kevin West; Peter Clegg; Nigel Cronin; David Lloyd Journal: Int J Exp Pathol Date: 2003-02 Impact factor: 1.925
Authors: H C Ciria; M S Quevedo; L B Cabrales; R P Bruzón; M F Salas; O G Pena; T R González; D S López; J M Flores Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2004-11-26 Impact factor: 4.430