Necrotizing pancreatitis after radiofrequency destruction of pancreatic tumours

Background. Intraoperative radiofrequency (RF) can be used to treat multiple small pancreatic tumours. Patients and methods. Two patients with multiple pancreatic metastases from renal cancer were treated with RF destruction of the pancreatic tumours. The first was treated with a monopolar device and the second with a bipolar device. A high temperature (>90degreesC) was used, and one patient underwent cooling of the intrapancreatic common bile duct. Results. The destruction of tumours was effective. However, the two patients presented post-operatively a severe necrotizing pancreatitis, with life-threatening hemorrhagic complications. Conclusion. RF destruction of pancreatic tumours is dangerous with current devices. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.