General Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Surgical Irreversible Electroporation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Case Report

Abstract

The irreversible electroporation (IRE) or Nanoknife is a new innovation for tumor resection with a high voltage electric current around the tumor. It is a method that has been developed to reduce the limitations of the others thermal technique such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation especially tumors those are adjacent to blood vessels or bile ducts are not exposed to sufficiently high heat, resulting in residual or recurrent tumors. Therefore, this IRE innovation has been developed. The high-voltage current from IRE can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, severe muscle contraction or seizure. It is necessary to perform this procedure under general anesthesia with deep neuromuscular blockade, adequate pain management, controlled hypertension and preparation for cardiac arrhythmia after high-voltage current is released with an ECG-synchronized and defibrillator.Thus understanding the principle of IRE working while discharging electricity that affects other body systems, particularly the cardiovascular system. It will make patients undergoing Surgical Irreversible electroporation of hepatocellular carcinoma safe and efficient.