BIOCHEMICAL, HEMATOLOGIC, AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS FOLLOWING HEPATIC CRYOTHERAPY

Hepatic cryosurgery causes hepatocellular damage primarily by inducing the formation of ice crystals. Cell necrosis is enhanced using two or more freeze-thaw cycles. The resultant damage to hepatocytes induces alterations in a number of biochemical and hematologic parameters, inc luding hepatic function tests, serum bilirubin, serum and urine myoglo bin, platelet count, and coagulation measures. Further, in experimenta l models, cryogenic surgery appears to stimulate the immune system of the host leading to an anti-tumor immune response. These perturbations in biochemical and hematologic parameters are usually transient, and long-term adverse sequelae are uncommon and preventable. (C) 1998 Wile y-Liss, Inc.