Efficacy of combining ultrasonic with three-dimensional imaging guided microwave ablation in treating large hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparative study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of combining ultrasonic with three-dimensional imaging guided microwave ablation in treating large hepatocellular carcinoma. Method The clinical data of 262 patients with large unresectable liver cancer who were admitted to the Air Force General Hospital from Jan 2011 to Jun 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 136 underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and the remaining 126 patients underwent combined ultrasonic with three-dimensional imaging guided microwave ablation (MWA). The AFP levels, tumor ablation rate, postoperative complication rates and survival rates between the two groups were compared. Result There were significant differences in the AFP levels in the two groups before and after surgery (P 0.05). A significant difference was also observed on tumor ablation rate. In the MWA group, 11 patients (8.73%) developed complications, while 21 patients (15.44%) in the TACE group developed complications, (P<0.05). The 3-month, 9-month, 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates were 99%, 95%, 81%, 70% and 57% in the MWA group, and 98%, 94%, 63%, 36% and 28% in the TACE group. There were significant differences in the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates, but no significant difference were observed in the 3-month and 9-month survival rates. Conclusion Combined ultrasonic with three-dimensional imaging guided microwave ablation increased the rate of tumor ablation and prolonged the survival time of patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma. Key words: Ultrasonic; Three-dimensional imaging; Microwave ablation; Large hepatocellular carcinoma; Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization