Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive targeted Argon-Helium cryoablation in the treatment of hepatic carcinoma / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effectiveness of minimally invasive targeted Argon-Helium cryoablation in the treatment of hepatic carcinoma. Methods Ultrasound-guided Argon-Helium targeted cryoablation using the Cryo-Hit system was performed percutaneously or through laparotomy in 27 cases of hepatic neoplasms, including 10 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma, 11 cases of recurrent hepatic carcinoma, and 6 cases of metastatic carcinoma. Results No surgical death was found. There were no complications such as hepatic rupture, hemorrhage, or bile leakage. In 12 cases that had an increased AFP levels before the treatment (36.5~1200 ?g/L), a decrease was observed (8.0~254 ?g/L) and a recovery below the normal levels was noted in 6 cases. In 3 cases that had an increased CEA levels before the treatment, the levels reduced after the treatment and went down to the normal ranges in 2 cases. A follow-up survey was carried out for 1~3 months. CT scannings or MRI examinations found a complete tumor necrosis in 59.2% (16/27) of cases and a reduction of tumor size with various degrees in 25.9% (7/27) of patients. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided targeted Argon-Helium cryoablation using the fine-probe Cryo-Hit system is a safe, effective, and simple procedure for the treatment of hepatic carcinoma, although its effectiveness still needs further verification.