title: Microwave ablation of liver metastases to overcome the limitations of radiofrequency ablation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of our study was to evaluate technical success, effectiveness and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with unresectable liver metastases, where radiofrequency ablation (RFA) presents some limits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five patients (17 men, 8 women) with 31 liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) were treated in a total of 29 sessions. Tumours were subdivided as follows: colorectal metastases (n=21) and no colorectal metastases (n=10). All procedures were performed percutaneously under ultrasound (US) guidance. Follow-up was performed with computed tomography (CT) scan at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment; mean follow-up period was 12.04 (range, 3-36) months. Technical success, mean disease-free survival, effectiveness and safety were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Technical success was obtained in all cases. Mean disease-free survival was of 20.5 months. Local recurrence was recorded in 12.9% of metastases treated (4/31). No major complications were recorded. The rate of minor complications was 44.8% (13/29 sessions). Mortality at 30 days was 0%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Percutaneous MWA of liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) can be considered a valid and safe option, probably preferable to RFA. Further studies are required to confirm these encouraging initial results.
authors.affiliation: Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Insubria University, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ierardi
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Floridi
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fontana
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chini
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giorlando
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Piacentino
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brunese
authors.forename: Graziella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pinotti
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bacuzzi
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carrafiello
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; C044834:iodixanol
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