Korean J Med.  2012 Oct;83(4):480-484.

Hepatocolic Fistula after Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Kang MG
• Lee TH
• Na WT
• Jeong JH
• Lim DH
• Lee M
• Kang YW

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively safe therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, complications are not unknown. A hepatocolic fistula is a rare complication after RFA. We report a case of a hepatocolic fistula following a liver abscess after RFA for HCC in a 58-year-old male. The patient was diagnosed with HCC and liver cirrhosis from hepatitis B infection 3 years prior to admission. The HCC was in segment 6 of the liver and was treated with transarterial chemoembolization and RFA. One month after the second RFA, he was diagnosed with a liver abscess, for which he was treated with antibiotics for 2 months, but continued to have intermittent fever and chills. We made a diagnosis of hepatocolic fistula using colonoscopy, fluoroscopy, and liver dynamic computed tomography. The patient underwent a surgical procedure after antibiotic therapy. Although a hepatocolic fistula is a rare complication following RFA, clinicians should be aware of its existence.

Keyword

Hepatic abscess; Hepatocolic fistula; Radiofrequency ablation

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Chills
Colonoscopy
Fever
Fistula
Fluoroscopy
Hepatitis B
Humans
Liver
Liver Abscess
Liver Cirrhosis
Male
Middle Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents