Feasibility and Safety of Endoluminal Radiofrequency Ablation as a Rescue Treatment for Bilateral Metal Stent Obstruction Due to Tumor Ingrowth in the Hilum: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a palliative method known for its application in the endoscopic treatment of malignant bile duct obstruction. It may be a useful rescue method for metal stent malfunction caused by tumor ingrowth. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and safety of endoluminal RFA for occluded bilateral hilar metal stents due to tumor ingrowth in patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Methods: From March 2016 to June 2018, 11 patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct stricture with occluded bilateral hilar metal stents due to tumor ingrowth were enrolled. Endoluminal RFA was performed through a novel temperature-controlled catheter at a setting of 7 W power for 120 s with a target temperature of 80 °C via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The patients’ demographics, clinical outcomes, and adverse events were investigated. Results: The median age was 64 (interquartile range, 54–72) years. All RFA procedures were successful. Clinical success was achieved in eight patients (72.7%). During the follow-up, eight patients (72.7%) showed stent dysfunction, and the median patency after RFA was 50 days (95% confidence interval (CI): 34–not available (NA)). All stent dysfunctions were successfully managed with ERCP. Ten patients died, and the median overall survival was 289 days (95% CI, 107–NA) from RFA to death. There was one case of mild abdominal pain after the procedure without serious adverse events. Conclusions: As a rescue therapy for occluded bilateral hilar metal stents due to tumor ingrowth, endoluminal RFA seemed to be safe and useful in selected patients.