Study on the therapeutic efficacy and complications of radio-frequency ablation according to the diameter and location of hepatocellular carcinoma / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Induction of coagulation necrosis by using thermal energy sources such as radio-frequency (RF), microwaves and lasers has recently been as a new, minimally invasive technique for percutaneous tumor ablation. RF ablation is considerd effective and safe for the local control of small HCCs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and complications according to the diameter and location of the HCC. METHODS: Between May 1999 and December 2000, one hundred fifty patients underwent RF thermal ablation in Dong-A university hospital. Among them, forty nine patients were enrolled in this study who have no history of prior other treatment including hepatic resection, TAE, PEI, and chemotherapy, also who have follow-up CT performed at least six months after ablation. The patients devided into two groups, who have small HCC (3 cm in diameter), the mean follow-up duration was 10.8 months and local recurrence rate was 51.0%+/-12.4. In small HCC group (recurrence rate was 16.2%+/-8.6 in patients with small HCC. Among one hundred fifty patients underwent radio-frequency thermal ablation, 5 cases of intraperitoneal bleeding, 5 cases of pleural effusion and 3 cases of pneumothorax were observed. In most of cases, the necrotic area of HCC reached to the capsule of liver or located in hepatic dome.

CONCLUSION:

Radio-frequency ablation appears to be more effective and safe for the treatment of small HCC than that of large HCC and more attetion must be given to the RF ablation if the tumor is larger than 3cm or located close to the capsule of liver or in hepatic dome.