Safety and feasibility of irreversible electroporation for the pancreatic head in a porcine model

BACKGROUND: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a local non-thermal ablative technique which has been suggested as a potential cancer therapy. However, the specific anatomic characteristics of the pancreatic head make it challenging to perform any local ablation in this region. Therefore, the safety and feasibility of IRE in the pancreatic head region should be further explored. AIM: To evaluate the safety of IRE in pancreatic head region including its effects on pancreatic ducts, vessels, and adjacent gastrointestinal organs. METHODS: Eight landrace miniature pigs underwent IRE of pancreatic head tissue successfully, with a total of 16 lesions created. Laboratory testing including white blood cell (WBC) count and serum amylase before IRE with follow-up laboratory analysis and pathological examination at 1, 7, 14, and 28 d postablation were performed. RESULTS: All pigs tolerated the ablation procedure without serious perioperative complications. Transiently elevated WBC count and amylase were observed at 24 h post-IRE, suggesting an acute pancreatic tissue damage which was confirmed by pathological observations. Vascular endothelial cells and pancreatic duct epithelial cells in ablation zone were also positive in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. There was extensive duodenum mucosa damage with local hemorrhage 24 h after ablation, while regeneration of new villous structures were observed at 7 and 28 d post-IRE. Masson’s trichromatic staining showed that the extracellular matrix was still intact in vessels and pancreatic ducts, and even in the duodenum. CONCLUSION: IRE ablation to the pancreatic head may be safe and feasible without long-term damage to the surrounding vital structures. However, risks of stress injuries in acute phase should be taken into consideration to prevent severe perioperative complications.