To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided irreversible electroporation (IRE) in the treatment of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Clinical data of 15 patients with unresectable LAPC admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from September 2015 to May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 9 patients were male and 6 female, aged 34-75 years with a median age of 61 years. The tumor diameter was ranged from 2.1 to 7.2 cm with a median of 4.4 cm. The informed consents of all patients were obtained and the local ethical committee approval was received. All patients received ultrasound-guided laparotomy IRE. The intra- and post-operative ablation effect, perioperative complications and survival of the patients were observed.

All the patients underwent the operation successfully, and the ablation effect was satisfactory evaluated by intraoperative ultrasound. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the pancreas at postoperative 1 d demonstrated that tumors of all the patients were ablated completely, and no severe injuries were observed in the peripheral vessels, pancreatic duct, bile duct, intestinal tract and other tissues. 2 cases developed mild fever, 2 cases of pain, 3 cases of gastrointestinal discomfort, 1 case of infection and 1 case of cholangitis were observed after operation. All were cured with symptomatic treatments. The average postoperative length of hospital stay was (12±4) d. The median survival was 10 months. 5 patients survived for over 1 year, 3 of whom received chemotherapy after operation.

Ultrasound-guided IRE is a safe and efficacious treatment for unresectable LAPC. Compared with the traditional operations, it has the advantages of shorter treatment period, less postoperative complications and faster recovery, etc. IRE combined with postoperative chemotherapy can improve the clinical prognosis of patients.