Efficacy of argon - helium cryoablation combined with I125 particle implantation in treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a report of 5 cases.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of argon - helium cryoablation combined with I125 particle implantation in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods Five patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who were admitted to our hospital from lanuary 2010 to lune 2013 were selected. Under CT localization, the tumor location and puncture angle were determined using a puncture needle, and then the tumor was pierced with a 17 mm argon - helium knife; a temperature - sensing needle was placed at the main bile duct and confluence of the left and right hepatic ducts closest to the ice ball and near the side of argon - helium knife ; the minimum distance between the argon -helium knife and bile duct wall was greater than 3 cm; for the tumor tissue surrounding the main bile duct, I125 particles were placed along the longitudinal axis about 0. 8 cm from the bile duct wall at a spacing of 0. 3 - 0. 5 cm, and then two cycles of cryoablation were performed. Results Of the five patients, two had complete relief of pain symptoms within one week after operation, and three had significant relief; two cases showed a significant decrease in total bilirubin within one week, and one showed a mild increase. No complications such as bleeding and pneumothorax were seen. Conclusion Argon - helium cryoablation combined with I125 particle implantation can effectively relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma within a short period after operation, but the evaluation of its long - term efficacy stiil needs large - sample case studies and long - term follow - up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]