Radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular cancer: complication and residual tumor rates

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the feasibility, technical success and complication rates of RF ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Material and Methods: 34 patients (26 male, 8 female) with HCC who underwent percutaneous RF ablation were analyzed, retrospectively. In order to diagnose HCC, using criteria defined by American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines and the inclusion criteria were determined according to Barcelona criteria. Ultrasound (n=24) or CT (n=10) were used as guideline imaging method for ablation. All ablation procedures were performed with a monopolar ablation device. The successful procedure was defined as the tolerance of patient and completion of the RF ablation with normal vital sing. Technical success was defined as the lack of residual tumor on the follow-up imaging at one month. Residual tumor and complication rate were recorded in each patient. Results: The procedure was successfully performed in all patients (100%). There was a residual tumor in just one subcapsular localized lesion (2.9%). The technical success rate was 97.%. As a major complication in 2 patients (5.9%), pneumothorax was detected. There was no procedure-related mortality. Conclusions: RF ablation was a safe and an effective treatment for HCC, with high technical success rates and low complication rates.