The first clinical application of planning software for laparoscopic microwave thermosphere ablation of malignant liver tumours

BackgroundLiver tumour ablation is an operator‐dependent procedure. The determination of the optimum needle trajectory and correct ablation parameters could be challenging. The aim of this study was to report the utility of a new, procedure planning software for microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumours.MethodsThis was a feasibility study in a pilot group of five patients with nine metastatic liver tumours who underwent laparoscopic MWA. Pre‐operatively, parameters predicting the desired ablation zones were calculated for each tumour. Intra‐operatively, this planning strategy was followed for both antenna placement and energy application. Post‐operative 2‐week computed tomography (CT) scans were performed to evaluate complete tumour destruction.ResultsThe patients had an average of two tumours (range 1–4), measuring 1.9 ± 0.4 cm (range 0.9–4.4 cm). The ablation time was 7.1 ± 1.3 min (range 2.5–10 min) at 100W. There were no complications or mortality. The patients were discharged home on post‐operative day (POD) 1. At 2‐week CT scans, there were no residual tumours, with a complete ablation demonstrated in all lesions.ConclusionsThis study describes and validates pre‐treatment planning software for MWA of liver tumours. This software was found useful to determine precisely the ablation parameters and needle placement to create a predicted zone of ablation.