title: Factors predicting outcomes of microwave ablation of small hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our study was to evaluate factors influencing effectiveness of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (<3 cm).
  
  
  METHODS
  Between December 2007 and August 2015, 49 patients with 65 previously histological typed HCC were treated in a total of 61 sessions. Tumours were subdivided into central (>3 cm from the capsule) (n = 22) and peripheral (<3 cm from the capsule) (n = 43). Imaging follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, then annually. Mean follow-up period was 18 months (range 1-55). Location of the lesion, age, sex, and underlying disease of the patients was analyzed and related with efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Technical success was obtained in all cases. Residual disease was registered in 21 lesions (32.3 %): 13 were peripheral and 8 were central. Twelve of them were retreated with percutaneous MWA. Local recurrence was recorded in 8 lesions (12.3 %): 5 were retreated with MWA. No significant difference in terms of effectiveness was observed in lesions located in a central position and those situated in the peripheral position. Age, sex, and underlying disease not influenced results. Only one major complication was observed. The rate of minor complications was 24.5 %. Mortality at 30 days was 0 %.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results encourage the role of MWA in the treatment of small HCC. More numerous series and randomized studies are necessary to state the role of MWA and to select cases in which MWA may be more effective and safer than RFA.
authors.affiliation: Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Insubria University, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ierardi
authors.affiliation: Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Insubria University, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giorlando
authors.affiliation: Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Insubria University, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Piacentino
authors.affiliation: Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Insubria University, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fontana
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Medical Physics, University Hospital of Varese, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Novario
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Viale A. di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore Alessio
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Angileri
authors.affiliation: Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Insubria University, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Ejona
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Duka
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Viale A. di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy. gcarraf@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carrafiello
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Effectiveness; Factors predicting; Percutaneous microwave ablation; Small hepatocellular carcinoma