Hepatic tumors: predictive accuracy and role of radio frequency [R.F.] percutaneous thermal ablation on guidance of multiphase spiral-[C.T.] and color doppler U/S.

ABSTRACT

A retrospective assessment of the use of [R. F.] in the management of [25] patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] was carried out, The study of multiphase spiral [C.T.] and Color Doppler U/S of these patients and under guidance of both. The mean age was 55 years [99%] were farmers from Lower Egypt. The impact of needle [RE] on the management of these patients at high risk was limited [the lesion more than 6 cm diameter and with ascites]. However, unnecessary operations was avoided in 3 cases proved no changes by follow up until 12 months. The management of the patients was usually determined by other factors rather than by results of [R.F.] only [size of lesions, presence and severity of liver cirrhosis, histology, -number of lesions, early detection, Precise localization, and characterization of Liver lesions and presence or absence of distant metastases]. It was found that the contribution of [R.F.] to the management of the patients with [HCC] at high risk of malignancy [over the age of 55 years and with metastases, more than [4] lesions and with size more than 5 cm] is not significant and direct referral of the operable cases to surgery is justifiable On the other hand, those at lower risk could benefit from this technique, as a positive malignancy will prompt an early treatment and should improve the prognosis of some of these patients