Irreversible electroporation for liver cancer ablation: A meta analysis

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of IRE in the treatment of hepatic malignant tumors, especially the damage to the gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, and vital vessels.The relevant literatures published from January 1, 2010 to July 1, 2021 were searched from PubMed and Embase databases. The following keywords were applied: "irreversible electroporation", "IRE", "unresectable Hepa∗ cancer", "ablation" and "ablation therapy".Twenty-six studies were identified covering 807 participants and 1115 lesions. The complete ablation rate of liver cancer by IRE was 86% (95% CI: 81%-90%). The incidence of IRE-related complications was 23% (95% CI: 17%-28%), but most of them were minor, major complications such as biliary fistula, intestinal fistula and massive hemorrhage were rare.Meta-analysis showed that IRE ablation is safe and effective for liver cancer treatment. Bile duct, intestine and blood vessels adjacent to the tumors are rarely damaged by IRE ablation.