JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Malignancy of the liver has historically meant a poor prognosis, and remains the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Traditionally, hepatectomy has utilised the clamp-crush technique, however this is associated with high incidence of post-operative complications. Many novel techniques have been developed – radiofrequency ablation and TACE, however these are not applicable to numerous cases. Clamp-crush liver resection (CCLR) remains gold standard. Radiofrequency-assisted liver resection (RFLR) is a technique which aims to reduce mortality through bloodless liver resection. Xiao et al. previously performed a systematic review in 2014 on RFLR, but results neither recommended nor refuted the use of RFLR due to lack of sufficient evidence from well designed RCTs at the time.

Objective:

Perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing radiofrequency-assisted liver resection against clamp-crush liver resection

Methods:

Articles comparing RFLR and CCLR that were published from 2014 until 2019 will be reviewed and relevant data extracted and statistically analysed through Review Manager 5 together with the results of the previous meta-analysis by Xiao et al.

Results:

Data collection is currently underway, with papers being screened. We hope to publish results in mid 2019.

Conclusions:

Given the high mortality rates currently associated with liver resection, it is imperative that novel surgical techniques are undertaken and investigated so we can improve best practice guidance and outcomes.