Radiofrequency ablation for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Limited data from recent studies suggested an increased risk of bleeding complications, needle-track seeding, and local recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).


METHODS
Between May 2001 and October 2002, 80 patients underwent RFA of 104 HCC nodules. Forty-eight patients had subcapsular HCC (group I), whereas the other 32 patients did not have subcapsular HCC (group II). RFA was performed via celiotomy, laparoscopy, or a percutaneous approach. Subcapsular HCCs were ablated by indirect puncture through nontumorous liver, and the needle track was thermocoagulated.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between groups in treatment morbidity (14.6% vs. 15.6%; P =.898), mortality (2.1% vs. 0%; P = 1.000), complete ablation rate after a single session (89.4% vs. 96.9%; P =.392), local recurrence rate (4.3% vs. 12.5%; P =.216), recurrence-free survival (1 year: 60.9% vs. 49.2%; P =.258), or overall survival (1 year: 88.3% vs. 79.4%; P =.441). After a median follow-up of 13 months, no needle-track seeding or intraperitoneal metastasis was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that the results of RFA for subcapsular HCCs are comparable to those of RFA for nonsubcapsular HCCs. Subcapsular HCC should not be considered a contraindication for RFA treatment.
Centre for the Study of Liver Disease and the Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. poontp@hkucc.hku.hk
Ronnie Tung-Ping
RT
Poon
Kelvin Kwok-Chai
KK
Ng
Chi-Ming
CM
Lam
Victor
V
Ai
Jimmy
J
Yuen
Sheung-Tat
ST
Fan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009339:Needles; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016019:Survival Analysis