[Experimental study of CT-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation in rabbit renal VX2 tumor].

Background and objective: CT-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation (PEA) has been widely used in treating solid tumors such as hepatoma, lung cancer, adrenal nonfunctional adenoma. This study was to explore the efficacy, safety and feasibility of CT-guided PEA in treating renal tumor in rabbit.

Methods: Twenty-five rabbits carrying VX2 tumor were randomized into PEA group (15 rabbits) and control group (10 rabbits). After CT-guided PEA, the area of the largest cross section lipiodol deposition in PEA group was measured. After one week, the kidneys carrying VX2 tumor were removed, tumor size in both groups and the area of the largest cross section coagulation necrosis in PEA group were measured. Wound infection and the changes of living habits of the rabbits were observed after experiment.

Results: A total of 25 VX2 tumors were developed in the 25 rabbits. The area of the largest cross section was 1.38-2.25 cm(2), with an average of (1.61+/-0.04) cm(2). There was no significant difference in tumor size between the two groups. After ablation, the area of lipiodol deposition in PEA group was 1.31-1.85 cm(2), with an average of (1.56+/-0.05) cm(2). At one week after ablation, the area of the largest cross section of tumors was significant smaller in PEA group than in control group [(1.58+/-0.03) cm(2) vs. (1.94+/-0.03) cm(2), P<0.05]; the area of coagulation necrosis in PEA group was 1.27-1.78 cm(2), with an average of (1.54 +/-0.04) cm(2), and was similar to the area of lipiodol deposition (P>0.05). Tumor tissue in ablation areas showed acidophilia changes and irregular coagulation necrosis. There was no obvious complication in PEA group.

Conclusion: CT-guided PEA can effectively inactivate rabbit kidney VX2 tumors, and it is a safe and feasible treatment without obvious complications.