Review article: Interstitial laser thermotherapy in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases

Abstract

Metastatic liver disease is the commonest cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer. A small proportion of these patients (10%) may be treated by surgical resection with five year survival approaching 35-40%. Alternative treatment modalities for localised hepatic disease include in situ ablative techniques that have the advantages of percutaneous application and minimal morbidity. These include Interstitial Laser Thermotherapy (ILT), Radio Frequency Ablation, Percutaneous Microwave therapy, and Focussed Ultrasound Therapy. This article focuses specifically on the development and utilisation of ILT in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. It provides a review of the pathophysi..