Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation in Colorectal Cancer: Initial Clinical Results of a New Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Device

PURPOSE: There are a number of alternative approaches to palliate cancers of the rectosigmoid, which may not be well tolerated or produce effective symptom relief. Therefore, there is a continuing need to develop alternative techniques for palliation. This paper reports our initial assessment of a new bipolar radiofrequency probe (Endoblatei). METHODS: Twelve patients with rectosigmoid tumors were treated with Endoblatei during transanal endoscopic microsurgery. In ten patients, this was followed by surgical resection and two patients were treated with Endoblatei alone. This study was designed to assess the technical utility of the device, immediate complications, and histologic effect. RESULTS: There were no technical problems. In the patients who had resection of the tumor immediately after ablation (n = 10), there were no local complications evident at surgery. Histology of the resected specimens showed that, on average, 82 (range, 60-99) percent of the tumor mass was destroyed in the ablation zone. In the remaining two patients, Endoblatei alone was used successfully to stop bleeding from the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results illustrate the evolution and endoscopic application of bipolar radiofrequency technology. Endoblatei showed potential as a useful and safe tool for the palliation of lower gastrointestinal malignancy.