Electrochemical lesions in the rat liver support its potential for treatment of liver tumors

Background. An effective therapy is needed for patients with surgically unr esectable liver tumors who have very limited life expectancy. One possible treatment is electrochemical tumor necrosis. This study investigated the na tural history of electrochemical lesions in the normal rat liver. Materials and methods. A direct current generator, connected to platinum el ectrodes, was used to create controlled areas of liver necrosis. Animals we re sacrificed 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months after treatment and t he macroscopic and histological appearance of the necrotic lesions was foll owed. Results. No animal died as a result of electrolysis; postoperatively, all g ained weight normally. Liver enzymes were significantly (P < 0.001) elevate d after treatment, but returned to normal after a week. Two days after elec trolysis, histology confirmed an ellipsoidal area of coagulative necrosis a t the site of the electrode tip and commonly a segment of peripheral necros is. After 2 weeks there was histological evidence of healing. By 6 months, very little necrotic tissue remained within a small fibrous scar. Conclusions. Electrolysis is a safe method for creating defined areas of li ver necrosis that heal well with no associated mortality, This study suppor ts the potential of electrolysis for treating patients with unresectable li ver tumors. (C) 2000 Academic Press.