Radiofrequency ablation of a solitary liver metastasis complicated by colonic perforation

Radiofrequency ablation is used for the treatment of primary liver malignancies and liver metastases. In this case, the authors performed percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of a solitary esophageal carcinoma metastasis within the left hepatic lobe. Following the procedure, the patient developed a colonic perforation with a large right upper quadrant abscess. Although the abscess nearly resolved after intravenous antibiotics and percutaneous drainage, the patient ultimately developed a colocutaneous fistula that required surgical excision and right hemicolectomy. The risks for developing this complication as well as measures to minimize this risk are discussed.