Percutaneous Thermal Ablation (Radiofrequency and Microwave) in the Treatment of Anterior Abdominal Wall Masses: An Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety.

Overview

The anterior abdominal wall is a common site for metastatic deposits (e.g., from colorectal, ovarian, or hepatocellular carcinoma), desmoid tumors (aggressive fibromatosis), and endometriomas. Surgical resection has been the traditional standard of care. However, surgery in this region can be complex due to the proximity of vital structures, the need for large tissue resection, and high recurrence rates. Furthermore, patients often present with significant comorbidities or have recurrent disease after previous surgeries, making them poor surgical candidates While established in organs like the liver and lungs, their application specifically for abdominal wall lesions is a growing and evidence-supported field that warrants further systematic study to standardize protocols and confirm long-term outcomes. Percutaneous thermal ablation, including microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is an increasingly used minimally invasive treatment for anterior abdominal wall lesions such as metastatic tumors and benign lesions like abdominal wall endometriosis. These techniques deliver thermal energy through percutaneous probes to induce coagulative necrosis, offering an effective alternative to surgery with lower morbidity and shorter recovery times. RFA uses high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat and ablate tumors. It is well established for treating abdominal wall recurrences, particularly from colorectal cancer, with effective local control and symptom relief. Ultrasound-guided MWA has demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy for abdominal wall lesions. Studies report significant lesion volume reduction, pain relief, and low complication rates in patients with abdominal wall endometriosis and metastases. The ability to visualize the ablation zone in real-time with ultrasound enhances precision and protects adjacent structures.