[Results of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis aged 75 years and over].
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the results and tolerance of radiofrequency ablation in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) older than 75 years.


METHODS
Over a period of 9 years from January 2001, 235 patients with cirrhosis and 3 or less HCC≤5 cm of diameter were treated by radiofrequency ablation. Among them, 52 patients older than 75 years were selected for this study.


RESULTS
The mean age was 79.4±3. 5 years. There were 36 males, cirrhosis was classified Child-Pugh class A (n=52) related to alcohol (n=13), HCV infection (n=33), or other causes (n=6). The mean tumour diameter was 32.5±10.6 mm, and 14 patients had a multifocal HCC. A complete ablation was obtained in 50/52 patients (96%). No severe complication occurred. The estimated overall survival rates were 62%, 52% and 36% at 3 years, 4 years and 5 years, respectively; it was similar to those observed in patients younger than 75 years.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with cirrhosis older than 75 years, radiofrequency ablation of 3 or less HCC≤5cm is well tolerated and survivals rates are similar to those of younger patients.
Centre hospitalier universitaire Hassan II, Fès, Morocco. m.lahbabi@yahoo.fr
M
M
Lahbabi
G
G
N'kontchou
M
M
Aout
E
E
Vicaud
N
N
Ganne
J C
JC
Trinchet
O
O
Seror
M
M
Beaugrand
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome