[Ultrasonically guided radio-frequency ablation of liver tumors with a clustered electrode: a report of 100 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonically guided radio-frequency (RF) thermal ablation of liver tumors with a clustered electrode.


METHODS
Clinical records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent RF tissue ablation 120 times were analysed. Image data, tumor size, clinic manifestation, and AFP value before and after the procedure were compared.


RESULTS
A hundred cases at 10 days, thirty at 30 days, ten at 60 days after the procedure were subjected to color ultrasonography and CT scans, respectively. The tumor size decreased by 20% at 10 days in 70% patients, decreased by 30% at 30 days in 80% patients, decreased by 50% at 60 days in 3 patients. AFP value decreased in 50% of patients, no operative death was noted, and the rate of operative complication was 23% after ablation.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound guided RF thermal ablation of hepatic tumors is safe, applicable and effective.
Ma
Q
Q
Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Forth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China.
Wu
J
J
Gao
D
D
Zhu
Y
Y
Zhao
B
B
Bian
L
L
Du
X
X
Zhao
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult