[Radiofrequency ablation for hypersplenism due to portal hypertension: clinical study]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, efficacy and clinical prospects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hypersplenism in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Methods: The laboratory and radiologic data over one-year period of patients undergone splenic RFA were analyzed.

Results: Nine patients undergone splenic RFA has closely followed-up over 1 year. During hospitalization, no procedure-related complications occurred, only minor complications including hydrothorax (3/9 patients) and mild abdominal pain (4/9 patients) were observed. After treatment, average 30.7% (20%-43%) of spleen volume was ablated, and the platelet count reached peak on 14th post-procedure day. White blood cell and platelet counts, liver function, and hepatic artery blood flow had gained significant improvements comparing with those before RFA procedures. Hyperplasia/regeneration was also occurred in cirrhotic liver after splenic RFA.

Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe, effective and minimally invasive approach for the management of hypersplenism in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Increased hepatic artery blood flow can contribute to significant improvement of liver function, and maybe potentially stimulate liver regeneration in cirrhotic liver.