@article {1247,
	title = {Radio frequency ablation (RFA)-assisted pericystectomy for hepatic echinococcosis: an alternative technique.},
	journal = {Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech},
	volume = {16},
	year = {2006},
	month = {2006 Oct},
	pages = {338-41},
	abstract = {The aim of this study is to describe an alternative technique, using radio frequency energy to perform pericystectomy for hepatic echinococcosis. We present 3 patients with hepatic echinococcosis who were treated with radio frequency ablation (RFA)-assisted pericystectomy. A Radionics Cooltip Radio Frequency System (Tyco, Greece, Radionics) with a single shaft 15 cm long needle electrode and a 2 cm exposure tip, was used. The needle electrode was inserted in consecutive sites into the "healthy" hepatic parenchyma close to the cyst wall, so that a tissue zone around the cystic cavity was gradually ablated. The complete ablation of a site was followed by sharp division of the parenchyma. The operation completed successfully in all patients. Minor bleeding and/or bile leakage were successfully controlled with RFA coagulation. No other hemostatic method was used. The postoperative course was uneventful. No evidence of recurrent disease, or any other cause of morbidity, has been demonstrated at follow up (2 y). RFA-assisted pericystectomy for hepatic hydatid disease in experienced hands, might be useful to perform a "sterile" resection, eradicating single or multiple cysts and preventing local recurrence, with minimal morbidity.},
	keywords = {Adult, Catheter Ablation, Digestive System Surgical Procedures, Echinococcosis, Hepatic, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Tomography, X-Ray Computed},
	issn = {1530-4515},
	doi = {10.1097/01.sle.0000213702.56569.3f},
	author = {Papaconstantinou, Ioannis and Kontos, Michael and Prassas, Evangelos and Karavokyros, John and Bakoyiannis, Christos and Pikoulis, Emmanouil and Safioleas, Michael and Giannopoulos, Athanasios and Bastounis, Elias and Felekouras, Evangelos}
}
