Clin Ultrasound.  2017 Nov;2(2):68-72. 10.18525/cu.2017.2.2.68.

Small Bowel Perforation after Percutaneous Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Lee YR
• Park SY

• KMID: 2555372
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18525/cu.2017.2.2.68

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely accepted as an effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in patients with cirrhosis and poor medical condition. Percutaneous RFA performed under ultrasound guidance is relatively safe and minimally invasive, but rarely accompanies mortality and major complications. Among them, bowel perforation is caused by nontarget thermal injury, which is associated with a fatal outcome. Here, we report a patient with small bowel perforation as a complication of percutaneous RFA of HCC. The patient was treated successfully with surgical procedure and antibiotic therapy. The small bowel perforation is rare but serious complication of RFA. Therefore, careful patient selection, suspicion, rapid diagnosis, and appropriate management are important.

Keyword

간세포암; 고주파 열치료; 합병증; 장천공; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Radiofrequency ablation; Complication; Intestinal perforation