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World J Gastroenterol. May 21, 2007; 13(19): 2747-2751
Published online May 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i19.2747
Complications of high intensity focused ultrasound in patients with recurrent and metastatic abdominal tumors
Jian-Jun Li, Guo-Liang Xu, Mo-Fa Gu, Guang-Yu Luo, Zhang Rong, Pei-Hong Wu, Jian-Chuan Xia
Jian-jun Li, Guo-liang Xu, Guang-yu Luo, Rong Zhang, Department of HIFU, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, National Key Laboratory of Oncology, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
Mo-Fa Gu, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, National Key Laboratory of Oncology, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
Pei-Hong Wu, Department of Radiology, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, National Key Laboratory of Oncology, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
Jian-Chuan Xia, Biotherapy Center, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, National Key Laboratory of Oncology, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Jian-jun Li, Department of HIFU, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, National Key Laboratory of Oncology, 651, Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China. ocwaves@tom.com
Telephone: +86-20-87343383 Fax: +86-20-87343224
Received: January 30, 2007
Revised: February 12, 2006
Accepted: March 1, 2007
Published online: May 21, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To analyze the local and systemic complications of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for patients with recurrent and metastatic abdominal tumors.

METHODS: From Aug 2001 to Aug 2004, 17 patients with recurrent and metastatic abdominal tumors were enrolled in this study. Real-time sonography was taken, and vital signs, liver and kidney function, skin burns, local reactions, and systemic effects were observed and recored before, during, and after HIFU. CT and MRI were also taken before and after HIFU.

RESULTS: All 17 patients had skin burns and pain in the treatment region; the next common complication was neurapraxia of the stomach and intestines to variable degrees. The other local and systemic complications were relatively rare. Severe complications were present in two patients; one developed a superior mesenteric artery infarction resulting in necrosis of the entire small intestines, and the other one suffered from a perforation in terminal ileum due to HIFU treatment.

CONCLUSION: Although HIFU is a one of noninvasive treatments for the recurrent and metastatic abdominal tumors, there are still some common and severe complications which need serious consideration.

Keywords: Abdominal cavity; Recurrent; Metastatic; Tumor; High intensity focused ultrasound; Ultrasonic therapy