Effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinomas larger than 3 cm in diameter.
OBJECTIVE
Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinomas 3.1 to 8.0 cm in diameter.


METHODS
Case series with prospective data collection.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Eighty-six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiofrequency ablation from May 1, 2001, to December 31, 2002, were placed into categories of those with tumors 3 cm or smaller (group 1, n = 51) and those with tumors 3.1 to 8.0 cm (group 2, n = 35) in diameter.


METHODS
Radiofrequency ablation was performed with a single or cluster cool-tip electrode. The choice of treatment route was based on tumor size and position.


METHODS
Complication, treatment mortality, and complete ablation rates.


RESULTS
Radiofrequency ablation was performed percutaneously in 26 patients in group 1 and 9 patients in group 2, with laparoscopy in 2 patients in group 1 and 1 patient in group 2, and with open operation in 23 patients in group 1 and 25 patients in group 2. The complication rates were 12% and 17% in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P =.48); treatment mortality rates were 0% and 3%, respectively (P =.41). Complete ablation rates after a single session of ablation assessed by means of computed tomography 1 month after treatment were 94% and 91% in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P =.68).


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinomas 3.1 to 8.0 cm in diameter.
Centre for the Study of Liver Disease and Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. poontp@hkucc.hku.hk
Ronnie T P
RT
Poon
Kelvin K C
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; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome