Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation assisted by three-dimensional planning system combined with transhepatic arterial chemoembolization for treating single large hepatocellular carcinoma: a primary study of survival

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) visualization preoperative planning system assisted ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for treating single large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Forty patients with a single large HCC (diameter ≥ 5 cm) from May 2015 to August 2017 were included, of whom 21 received ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation without 3D visualization assistance and 19 patients were treated under the assistance of 3D visualization. Survival and recurrence were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates of the 3D visualization group and no 3D visualization group were 94.7% and 38.5%, and 100% and 34.4%, respectively, which showed no statistical difference (P=0.745). The 1-year and 3-year recurrence free survival rates of the two groups were 100% and 64.6%, and 89.5% and 18.8%, respectively, which showed statistical differences (P=0.014). No severe complication or death occurred in either group. Conclusion 3D visualization assisted ultrasound guided microwave ablation for primary liver cancer larger than 5 cm can improve the recurrence free survival rate and demonstrate good safety, thus providing a new auxiliary method for ablation and laying a foundation for intelligent ablation. Key words: Imaging, three-dimensional; Ultrasonography, interventional; Ablation techniques; Liver neoplasms