Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: treatment efficacy and complications.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and complications of computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).


METHODS
A retrospective study of 282 patients (231 males, 51 females, age range: 44-76 years, mean age: 62 years) with HCC (322 lesions) who had been treated by CT-guided RFA over a period of 5 years, was performed. The diameter of the tumors ranged from 1.5 to 5 cm. The tumors were considered as ablated completely, if no viability was found on dual-phase dynamic contrast enhanced CT at 1 month after RFA. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 68 months (mean 29 months) and included a dual-phase dynamic contrast enhanced CT at 1, 3 and 6 months post-RFA and every 6 months afterwards. Patient outcome was evaluated and the survival and recurrence rates were assessed. Each case was reviewed for short-term and long-term complications.


RESULTS
The ablation success rate was 87.3% (281/322 HCC nodules), while 41 (12.7%) lesions were managed with repeated RFA because of tumor residue. The survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years were 94.8%, 86.6%, 73.1%, 64.2% and 51.1%, respectively. A total number of 9 (2.8% per procedure) minor complications occurred. No major complications were observed. During the follow-up period, the local tumour progression rate was 22%, while the recurrence rate of new intrahepatic nodules was 48%.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study support that RFA is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of unresectable HCC.
Department of Radiology, Sotiria Hospital, Thisseos 29, 15234, Halandri, Athens, Greece. fotisdimi@yahoo.gr
Fotios
F
Laspas
Evangelia
E
Sotiropoulou
Sophia
S
Mylona
Anita
A
Manataki
Paraskevi
P
Tsagouli
Iris
I
Tsangaridou
Loukas
L
Thanos
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*