Randomised Prospective Study of CUSA Versus Radiofrequency Ablation Technique in Liver Resections

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a particular method of operating on the liver is superior to the "gold" standard commonest technique. CUSA (ultrasonic agitation) will be compared to the newer heat coagulation technique (radiofrequency ablation) and comparisons of blood loss, transfusion requirements, complication rates, hospital stay, effect on liver function, health economics and death rate will be made. The groups will be assessed for comparability in terms of underlying disease, resection type, underlying concurrent illnesses, sex, age, background liver disease. Standardisations of the rest of the operation will be carried out including anaesthetic technique and fluid requirements will be assessed by oesophageal Doppler. 100 patients will be recruited.