LAPAROSCOPIC CRYOABLATION OF HEPATIC METASTASES

Cryosurgery for liver metastases may improve survival for unresectable hepatic metastases. The laparoscopic approach to managing these tumor s is a novel method fostered by increasing surgeon and patient interes t in minimally invasive surgical techniques and the development of lap aroscopic ultrasound and cryoprobes. A retrospective review of our pat ients who underwent laparoscopic cryoablation of hepatic tumors from A pril 1996 to December 1997 was conducted. We report on this experience and comment on the feasibility and safety of the procedure based on t his early trial. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.