Comparison between Cryoablation and Irreversible Electroporation of Rabbit Livers at a Location close to the Gallbladder

Abstract

Background: The ablation of liver tumors located close to the gallbladder is likely to lead to complications. The aim of this article is to compare the safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) and cryoablation in rabbit livers at a location close to the gallbladder.

Methods: We performed cryoablation (n = 12) and IRE (n = 12) of the area of the liver close to the gallbladder in order to ensure gallbladder damage. Serum aminotransferase and serum bilirubin levels were measured before and after the ablation. Histopathological examination of the ablation zones in the liver and gallbladder was performed on the 7th day after the ablation.

Results: Seven days after the ablation, all 24 animals were alive. Gallbladder perforation occurred in 4 rabbits in the cryoablation group. Serum aminotransferase and serum bilirubin levels obviously increased in both groups by Day 3 and decreased gradually thereafter. The elevation in aminotransferase and bilirubin levels was greater in the cryoablation group than the IRE group. Pathological examination revealed complete necrosis of the liver parenchyma from the ablation center to the gallbladder in both groups, but bile duct and granulation tissue hyperplasia were observed in only the IRE group. Full-thickness gallbladder-wall necrosis was seen in the cryoablation group. Only mucosal epithelial necrosis and serous layer edema were found in the IRE group.

Conclusions: For ablation of the liver area near the gallbladder, IRE is superior to cryoablation, both in terms of safety (no gallbladder perforation in the IRE group) and efficacy (complete necrosis and rapid recovery in the IRE group).