Published online Aug 15, 2022. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i8.1499
Peer-review started: April 6, 2022
First decision: May 10, 2022
Revised: May 12, 2022
Accepted: July 11, 2022
Article in press: July 11, 2022
Published online: August 15, 2022
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a local non-thermal ablative technique which has been suggested as a potential cancer therapy. However, the specific anatomic characteristics of the pancreatic head make it challenging to perform any local ablation in this region. Therefore, the safety and feasibility of IRE in the pancreatic head region should be further explored.
To evaluate the safety of IRE in pancreatic head region including its effects on pancreatic ducts, vessels, and adjacent gastrointestinal organs.
Eight landrace miniature pigs underwent IRE of pancreatic head tissue succe
All pigs tolerated the ablation procedure without serious perioperative complications. Transiently elevated WBC count and amylase were observed at 24 h post-IRE, suggesting an acute pancreatic tissue damage which was confirmed by pathological observations. Vascular endothelial cells and pancreatic duct epi
IRE ablation to the pancreatic head may be safe and feasible without long-term damage to the surrounding vital structures. However, risks of stress injuries in acute phase should be taken into consideration to prevent severe perioperative complications.
Core Tip: This is a basic experimental research paper on irreversible electroporation (IRE) in the pancreatic head region. To examine the feasibility and safety of this technique in Landrace pigs, we designed a series of research experiments. We found that IRE ablation to the pancreatic head may be safe and feasible without long-term damage to the surrounding vital structures. However, risks of stress injuries in acute phase should be taken into consideration to prevent severe perioperative complications.