ABSTRACT
Radiofrequency ablation [RFA] is a promising technique for local control of liver malignancy such as primary hepatocellular carcinoma. This technique has become the main stream of the treatment of non-surgical modalities in clinical settings. A study was conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for small and medium sized hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]. Patients and Thirty five cirrhotic patients [M:F; 28:7, age; 57.4 +/- 7.8 years] each with solitary HCC mass lesion [mean size; 3.01 +/- 0.82cm] were consecutively recruited at Assiut University Hospital between August 2007 and November 2009. HCC was diagnosed by raised alpha-fetoprotein [AFF] and contrast-enhanced CT. Lesions were stratified into 2 groups; "Group A ". lesions <3cm [n=22] and "Group B ". lesions 3-5cm [n=13]. Single session RFA was done and all patients were followed-up with AFP and contrast-enhanced CT after one month and 6 months post-procedure. Complete ablation was achieved in 77.1% [27/35] of patients after one-month [81.8% [18/22] in group A and 69.2% [9/13] in group B; p=0.3] Local recurrence was noticed in 3 patients after 6 months [one in group A and 2 in group B]. AFP levels were significantly reduced in both groups after one month and 6-months follow-up. No major complications occurred in all patients treated by RFA. RFA is less effective in ablating medium sized HCC [3-5cm] than in ablating small sized HCC <3cm. The procedure is safe, effective and without major complications