The lack of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome supports the safety of pancreatic electrolysis: Experimental studies

Abstract

Background: Per-ductal pancreatic electrolysis is a new minimally invasive ablation treatment. Possible applications include tumor debulking and treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Both solid organ ablation and pancreatitis are associated with the risk of an overwhelming systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan failure. TNF- and IL1-β are important cytokine mediators of this response. The aim of this study was to measure the circulating levels of IL1-β and TNF- following pancreatic electrolytic ablation as a marker of the risk of SIRS complicating per-ductal pancreatic electrolysis. Methods: Serum TNF- and IL1-β were measured in six treatment and six control pigs before and after laparotomy and pancreatic electrolytic ablation via a per-ductal approach. Results: There was no significant rise in serum TNF- and IL1-β in association with per-ductal pancreatic electrolysis. Conclusion: This study supports the evidence that per-ductal electrolysis is a safe procedure with potential for palliative treatment of pancreatic cancers.