Experimental research of CT-guided thermochemotherapy for pig's healthy pancreas

Objective: To investigate the influence of CT-guided thermochemotherapy for pig's healthy pancreas and in turn to discuss the feasibility and efficacy on pancreatic tumors. Methods: 9 healthy pigs were undergone CT-guided 80 degree C thermochemotherapy with 18 G fine needle injecting individually of 5-Fu 750 mg(10 ml)into the pancreatic tail within 2 min. CT, MRI and serum analyses test were carried out as the follow up study at 1 h, 3rd, 7th and 14th day after the procedure; since the 3rd day, 3 pigs were sacrificed right after every follow up and together with comparative study between diagnostic imagings and pathologic changes. Results: The pig pancreatic tail necrotic lesions appeared to be most conspicuous at the 3rd day after thermochemotherapy and shrank gradually from 7th day to 14th day. Serum amylase level reached the highest at 3rd day after the treatment and lowered down at 7th day; and near approximately normal at 14th day. The outcomings of diagnostic imagings and macroscopic pathology were in accordance. Obvious pancreatitis occurred only in one pig and all others were nearly uneventful without serious complications of pancreatitis, intestinal adhesion and mortality. Conclusion: CT-guided thermochemotherapy can induce pancreatic, focal necrosis in healthy pig but with no serious complications; and these can further more establish the foundation for clinical practice. (authors)