Treatment of unresectable large liver cancer by radiofrequency ablation with clustered electrodes / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with clustered electrodes in the treatment of unresectable large primary liver cancer. Methods Under the guidance of ultrasonography, Percutaneous and intraoperative RFA was performed in 38 patients and 5 patients,respectively. Additional ablation could be conducted if residual tumor or recurrence was found after the primary treatment. Results A total of 62 times of RFA, with a mean of 6 foci every treatment, were completed in the 43 patients, in whom the mean diameter of tumor was 7 3 cm. AFP levels had decreased to normal in 18/32 patients (56 3%) whose preoperative AFP levels were above 400 ?g/L. Postoperative CT examinations indicated that the tumor was completely ablated in 33/43 patients (76 7%). Frequent complications included fever, local pain, and liver impairment. No severe complications or treatment-related deaths were seen. The 1-year survival rate was 79 3% (23/29). Conclusions RFA with clustered electrodes in the treatment of unresectable large liver cancer can produce extensive coagulation necrosis of tumor, being a safe and effective therapeutic method. It is breaking fresh ground in the management of unresectable large