A rare complication after radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of colorectal liver metastasis: A case report

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the safe and effective treatments of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis, which has the advantages of minimally invasive, fewer complications, short hospitalization time and repeatable operation. A special case with advanced transverse colon carcinoma was treated by RFA in our center. All the procedures were performed, which were recommended by the guideline. An intestinal perforation occurred on the second day after the RFA, then surgeon performed emergency surgery, unfortunately, anastomotic leakage occurred on the 21st day after the operation, yet after conservative medical treatment, the patient achieved remission of symptoms and discharged from the hospital. Rare complications occurred after RFA in the treatment of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis are unpredictable, which could affect the efficacy of RFA and performance status of patients. Further investigation of the mechanism of these complications is warranted urgently, which might offer more effective methods against these rare complications.