Microwave Ablation in the Spleen for Treatment of Secondary Hypersplenism: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

MW ablation is a safe and effective technique for the management of hypersplenism in patients with liver cirrhosis. Ablating more than 40% of the splenic parenchyma may yield better long-term results.

Microwave Ablation for the Treatment of Hypersplenism: Short Waves, Low Cost, Big Results

“…Transient hemoglobinuria was also reported but was not associated with renal dysfunction. These findings, similar to those reported by Liang et al [4], mirror the experience with MWA in the treatment of solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma and are remarkable for their lack of any major complications, though both studies are limited to a small number of enrollees. Since many MWA cases can be performed under moderate sedation, cost and exposure to anesthesia-related complications are minimized.…”

“…In one of the key endpoints to this study, Jiang et al [5] reported a statistically significant improvement in white blood cell and platelet counts for up to 2 years, through a mean splenic ablation volume of 47.2 ± 7.0 %, exceeding the threshold of [ 40 % described by Liang et al [4] to achieve sustained long-term platelet recovery, further echoed by Liu et al [6], and close to the 50 % target described by Feng et al [7]. Since percutaneous MWA has a more predictable and consistent ablation volume than RFA and splenic embolization, more precise treatment planning is possible.…”

“…Matsuoka et al [2] initially reported the feasibility and safety of performing CT-guided percutaneous RFA of the hyperfunctioning spleen in a porcine model. In a small series, Liang et al [4] demonstrated the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA), a similar thermal ablation technique, with both a laparoscopic and percutaneous approach.…”

“…In addition to standardizing therapeutic indications, a larger number of patients with longer-term follow-up are needed. In the setting of cirrhotic hypersplenism, the ablated splenic remnant may enlarge over time requiring repeat therapy if thrombocytopenia recurs [4].…”

Hepatectomy combined with microwave ablation of the spleen for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with splenomegaly: A retrospective study

“…Previous studies demonstrated that microwave ablation of the spleen for splenomegaly and hypersplenism had a favorable effect on the peripheral lymphocytes (15). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hepatectomy combined with microwave ablation of the spleen for HCC and hypersplenism.…”