Abstract
Recently microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) has been used clinically in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have applied MCT for patients with nonresectable HCC because of poor hepatic function and advanced age. In this study we examined the changes of coagulated tumors with computed tomography (CT).After the first MCT trial in 1985, from April 1993 to December 1996, 21 patients, for whom radical surgery was impossible, received MCT under laparotomy or thoracoscopy. Two weeks after MCT, CT showed a low-density area around the tumors subjected to MCT. Gradually the tumors changed to an isodensity area. Fifteen of 21 patients are alive, with the longest survival being 32 months. In ten patients, HCC recurrence could not be detected at the time. Three patients died of another HCC during the course of observation. The coagulated tumor did not cause another recurrence around the tumor and it proved MCT is an adequate treatment. Also we compared MCT with partial hepatectomy. The patients had single tumor and poor liver function. The survival rate was similar and showed no difference. The operation time and bleeding were less than for partial hepatectomy.Intraoperative MCT appears to be an effective treatment for nonresective HCC patients from the standpoint of safety and accuracy.
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