Local recurrence after hepatic radiofrequency coagulation: multivariate meta-analysis and review of contributing factors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence local recurrence after radiofrequency coagulation of liver tumors.


BACKGROUND
Local recurrence rate varies widely between 2% and 60%. Apart from tumor size as an important risk factor for local recurrence, little is known about the impact of other factors.


METHODS
An exhaustive literature search was carried out for the period from January 1, 1990 to January 1, 2004. Only series with a minimal follow-up of 6 months and/or mean follow-up of 12 months were included. Univariate and multivariate meta-analyses were carried out.


RESULTS
Ninety-five independent series were included, allowing the analysis of the local recurrence rate of 5224 treated liver tumors. In a univariate analysis, tumor-dependent factors with significantly less local recurrences were: smaller size, neuroendocrine metastases, nonsubcapsular location, and location away from large vessels. Physician-dependent favorable factors were: surgical (open or laparoscopic) approach, vascular occlusion, general anesthesia, a 1-cm intentional margin, and a greater physician experience. In a multivariate analysis, significantly less local recurrences were observed for small size (P < 0.001) and a surgical (versus percutaneous) approach (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency coagulation by laparoscopy or laparotomy results in superior local control, independent of tumor size. The percutaneous route should mainly be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate a laparoscopy or laparotomy. The short-term benefits of less invasiveness for the percutaneous route do not outweigh the longer-term higher risk of local recurrence.
Mulier
Stefaan
S
Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Mont-Godinne, Catholic University of Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium.
Ni
Yicheng
Y
Jamart
Jacques
J
Ruers
Theo
T
Marchal
Guy
G
Michel
Luc
L
D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007813:Laparotomy; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D016896:Treatment Outcome