[Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of malignant liver tumors].
BACKGROUND
Radio frequency ablation (RFA) of malignant tumours is a new and promising treatment modality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the method in patients with non-resectable liver tumours.


METHODS
RFA was performed under the guidance of ultrasonography and general anaesthesia in 37 patients from December 1998 to November 2001. Six patients had primary liver cancers, and 31 metastases from other cancer, often colorectal cancer.


RESULTS
Eight patients could not be evaluated because of the short follow-up time. Twenty-four of 29 patients (83%) achieved a complete tumour response. Twelve patients (41%) are alive after 3-28 (median 16) months, without recurrence. Twelve patients (41%) are alive after 1-34 (median 14) months, with recurrence. Five patients (14%) died after 4-26 (median 11) months, because of recurrence in the liver and/or other organs. Four patients had minor complications and one a major complication. There was no postoperative mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
RFA can be offered to patients with non-resectable liver tumours when it is technically possible. The treatment can be performed with few complications, requires only a short hospital stay, and is cheaper than other treatments. Prolonged survival is attained in 40-50% cent of the patients.
Skjoldbye
Bjørn
B
Kirurgisk gastroenterologisk afdeling, ultralydafdelingen, Amtssygehuset i Herlev.
Burcharth
Flemming
F
Christensen
Jan Kolind
JK
Moesgaard
Flemming A
FA
Struckmann
Jan Reinhold
JR
Nolsøe
Christian Pallson
CP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011379:Prognosis; D014463:Ultrasonography