Image-guided multipolar radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours: initial clinical results.
The local effectiveness and clinical usefulness of multipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation of liver tumours was evaluated. Sixty-eight image-guided RF sessions were performed using a multipolar device with bipolar electrodes in 53 patients. There were 45 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and 42 metastases with a diameter < or =3 cm (n = 55), 3.1-5 cm (n = 29) and >5 cm (n = 3); 26 nodules were within 5 mm from large vessels. Local effectiveness and complications were evaluated after RF procedures. Mean follow-up was 17 +/- 10 months. Recurrence and survival rates were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The primary and secondary technical effectiveness rate was 82% and 95%, respectively. The major and minor complication rate was 2.9%, respectively. The local tumour progression at 1- and 2-years was 5% and 9% for HCC nodules and 17% and 31% for metastases, respectively; four of 26 nodules (15%) close to vessels showed local progression. The survival at 1 year and 2 years was 97% and 90% for HCC and 84% and 68% for metastases, respectively. Multipolar RF technique creates ablation zones of adequate size and tailored shape and is effective to treat most liver tumours, including those close to major hepatic vessels.
Terraz
Sylvain
S
Department of Radiology, Geneva University Hospital, rue Micheli-du-Crest 24, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. sylvain.terraz@hcuge.ch
Constantin
Christophe
C
Majno
Pietro Edoardo
PE
Spahr
Laurent
L
Mentha
Gilles
G
Becker
Christoph D
CD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D053783:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media