Percutaneous Ablation Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research Articles

Predicting Outcome after Percutaneous Ablation for Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Various Imaging Modalities.

Percutaneous ablation is a low-invasive, repeatable, and curative local treatment that is now recommended for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is not suitable for surgical resection. Poorly differentiated HCC has high-grade malignancy potential. Microvascular invasion is frequently seen, even in tumors smaller than 3 cm in diameter, and prognosis is poor after percutaneous ablation. Biopsy has a high risk of complications such as bleeding and dissemination; therefore, it has limitations in determining HCC tumor malignancy prior to treatment. Advances in diagnostic imaging have enabled non-invasive diagnosis of tumor malignancy. We describe the usefulness of ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for predicting outcome after percutaneous ablation for HCC.

Clinical outcomes and cost of open, laparoscopic, and percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Open (OA), laparoscopic (LA), and percutaneous (PA) ablation are all ablation approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) utilized in the United States today. However, it remains unclear today which approach is (A) most effective, (B) cost-efficient, and (C) nationally practiced. In-hospital mortality and cost were collected from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for patients undergoing liver ablation from 2011 to 2018. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, disposition, and perioperative composite complications. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to adjust for differences in patient and hospital baseline characteristics. One thousand and one hundred and twenty-five LA, 1221 OA, and 1068 PA liver ablations were analyzed. After IPTW, in-hospital mortality risk was significantly lower in PA versus OA cohorts (0.57% vs. 2.90%, p < 0.001) and reduced among PA patients, yet not significantly different from the LA cohort (0.57% vs. 1.64%, p = 0.056). The median length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the PA and LA group compared to OA (2 days vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). The median hospitalization costs were significantly lower for PA ($44,884 vs. $90,187, p < 0.001) and LA ($61,445 vs. $90,187, p < 0.001) compared to OA. Moreover, we found significant regional differences regarding the use of each ablation approach, with the Midwest having the lowest rates of PA and LA. Among patients hospitalized after ablation for HCC, PA leads to the lowest hospital cost. Both PA and LA result in lower peri-operative morbidity and mortality relative to OA. Despite these reported advantages, there are significant regional differences with respect to ablation availability suggesting the need to promote the standardization of best practices.

Lessons in IR: Track Metastasis after Percutaneous Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Lessons in IR: Track Metastasis after Percutaneous Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Outcomes and cost of open, laparoscopic, and percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Open (OA), laparoscopic (LA), and percutaneous (PA) ablation are all important treatment modalities for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), However, which treatment approach is (A) most clinically effective, (B) cost-efficient and (C) regionally most prevalent across the U.S has not been thoroughly examined.

Comparison of Hepatic Resection with Percutaneous Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Caudate Lobe Within Milan Criteria

PurposeWe aimed to compare the efficacy of hepatic resection and percutaneous ablation for resectable caudate HCC within Milan criteria and to investigate the prognostic factors. MethodsBetween August 2006 and August 2020, a total of 67 eligible patients with resectable caudate HCC within Milan criteria in three centers were retrospectively analyzed and divided into hepatic resection group (n = 46) and percutaneous ablation group (n = 21). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared between groups of hepatic resection and percutaneous ablation for these resectable caudate HCC patients with Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors of RFS and OS. ResultsThe 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 97.6%, 83.6%, and 71.5% for the hepatic resection group, and 89.4%, 58.5%, and 48.8% for the percutaneous ablation group (P = 0.032). The corresponding RFS rates were 77.6%, 47.9%, and 42.6% for the hepatic resection group, and 40.5%, 23.2%, and 15.4% for the percutaneous ablation group (P = 0.010). According to the univariable and multivariable analyses, tumor type (first recurrence) (HR = 3.54; 95%CI, 1.49–8.37; P = 0.004) was a significant independent prognostic factor of RFS for caudate HCC patients after resection or ablation, while total bilirubin (HR = 1.02; 95%CI, 1.01–1.04; P = 0.006) and treatment strategy (HR = 5.97; 95%CI, 1.48–24.12; P = 0.012) were significant independent prognostic factors of OS. ConclusionsHepatic resection appears to outperform percutaneous ablation for caudate HCC patients within Milan criteria.

Microwave Ablation of Very-Early- and Early-Stage HCC: Efficacy Evaluation by Correlation with Histology after Liver Transplantation.

Simple SummaryMicrowave (MW) ablation is increasingly used worldwide as a therapeutic option in very-early- and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Up to now, there have been few published studied showing the correlation with pathology in ablated nodules. The aim of our study was to retrospectively correlate the necrosis obtained with MW ablation with histological findings in excised livers from the time of liver transplantation to assess the MW ablation effectiveness. We obtained, in a population of 30 patients with 36 nodules, a complete ablation at 1-month imaging in 30/36 nodules (83.3%). At pathology, of the 36 treated nodules, 28 (77.8%) showed complete necrosis, and 8 (22.2%) showed partial necrosis. Good agreement was found between the imaging performed 1-month after treatment and the complete pathological response. These data confirm the effectiveness of MW ablation to percutaneously treat HCC nodules smaller than 3 cm with a high sensitiveness of radiological imaging in detecting a complete response after ablation.Microwave (MW) ablation is a worldwide-diffused technique for the percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the efficacy of this technique still needs to be confirmed in pathological specimens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MW ablation by correlation with histology in excised liver samples at the time of liver transplantation (LT). All patients with MW-ablated HCC who subsequently underwent LT between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. In the explanted livers, the treated lesions were evaluated at pathology, and the necrosis was classified as complete or partial. Thirty-six HCCs were ablated in 30 patients (20.9 ± 6.1 mm, a range of 10–30 mm). Ablations were performed with a single insertion of a MW antenna under ultrasound or CT guidance. A complete radiological response was demonstrated in 30/36 nodules (83.3%) in 24/30 patients (80%) at imaging performed one-month after MW ablation. At pathology, of the 36 treated nodules, 28 (77.8%) showed a complete necrosis, and 8 (22.2%) showed a pathological partial necrosis. Good agreement was found between the imaging performed one-month after treatment and the complete pathological response (Cohen’s k = 0.65). The imaging accuracy in detecting a complete response to treatment was 88.9%. All lesions with complete necrosis did not show recurrence at follow-up imaging until transplantation. The rad-path correlation in the explanted livers showed that MW ablation achieved a high rate of complete necrosis if a macroscopical complete ablation was obtained.

Predictive factors of treatment outcomes after percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe: a retrospective study

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) arising in the caudate lobe is rare and the treatment is difficult. The aim of this study is to summarize the experience of ultrasound-guided percutaneous ablation therapy for HCC located in the caudate lobe and to investigate the predictive factors of the treatment outcomes.MethodsFrom August 2006 to June 2017, 73 patients (63 males and 10 females; mean age, 54.9 ± 11.6 years; age range, 25–79 years) with 73 caudate lobe HCCs (mean size, 2.6 ± 1.1 cm; size range, 1.0–5.0 cm) were treated with percutaneous ablation, including 33 patients with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 23 patients with ethanol ablation (EA), and 17 patients with combination of RFA and EA. The treatment outcome and survival after ablation for caudate lobe HCC were assessed and the predictive factors were calculated by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 72 patients achieved complete ablation after the first or second session of ablation. The treatment effectiveness was 98.6% (72/73). During the follow-up, 16 tumors developed local tumor progression (LTP) and a total of 61 patients (61/73, 83.6%) were detected distant recurrence (DR). According to univariate and multivariate analyses, tumor size > 2 cm (hazard ratio[HR] = 3.667; 95% confidence interval[CI], 1.043–12.889; P = 0.043) was a significant prognostic factor of LTP after ablation for HCC in the caudate lobe, while tumor number (HR = 2.245; 95%CI, 1.168–4.317; P = 0.015) was a significant prognostic factor of DR. The mean overall survival time after ablation was 28.7 ± 2.8 months, without independent predictive factors detected. Four patients (4/73, 5.5%) were detected treatment-related major complications, without independent predictive factor detected.ConclusionUltrasound-guided percutaneous ablation is a feasible treatment for a selected case with HCC in the caudate lobe. Tumor size > 2 cm increases the risk of LTP and intrahepatic tumor number is associated with DR after ablation.

03:36 PM Abstract No. 183 Utility of jet ventilation in percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

03:36 PM Abstract No. 183 Utility of jet ventilation in percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Percutaneous Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the use, comparative efficacy, and general technical considerations of percutaneous ablation, alone or in combination with other therapies, for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Percutaneous ablation is a mainstay treatment for early-stage HCC, offering survival comparable to that of surgical resection for small lesions. It can act as a primary curative therapy or bridge therapy for patients waiting to undergo liver transplant. New ablation modalities and combining tumor ablation with other therapies, such as transarterial chemoembolization, can improve clinical outcomes and allow treatment of larger lesions. Combining thermal ablation with systemic chemotherapy, including immunotherapy, is an area of future development.

Post-surgical recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma along resection margin treated by percutaneous US-guided ablation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hepatic recurrence along surgical resection margins to achieve complete cure or bridge for additional treatment. No current recommendations exist for these lesions. Retrospective review of post-surgical recurrent HCC located along surgical margins treated by percutaneous ultrasound-guided ablation from 2006-2014. Ablation was performed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), selected for recurrence in proximity to extrahepatic organs. In total, nine patients (49-82 y, mean 73.8±8.3) were treated for 13 recurrent HCC nodules (9-35 mm, mean 21.5±8.1) located along resection margins by RFA (11 nodules) and PEI (2 nodules). Mean time between surgery and percutaneous ablation was 64 months (range 10-149). At a mean follow-up of 17 months (±9), complete ablation was achieved in 9 nodules (69.2%, 8 after RF, 1 after PEI) and partial ablation was achieved in 4 nodules (3 after RFA, 1 after PEI). Complications were limited to minor abdominal pain in 2 patients requiring medical therapy (15.3%). Of the 4 partially ablated nodules, subsequent therapy achieved complete response in 3 nodules (1 patient with TACE, 1 patient with stereotactic radiotherapy, and one with liver transplantation), while the last nodule progressed despite subsequent TACE. HCC recurrence along the surgical margin can be safely and effectively treated by percutaneous therapy, despite the misconception of the surgical margin as a hostile location. Percutaneous treatment may bridge the patient for additional therapy.

Preliminary Outcome of Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Breaking the 3-cm Barrier?

PurposeTo evaluate preliminary outcomes after microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) up to 5 cm and to determine the influence of tumor size. Materials and MethodsElectronic records were searched for HCC and MWA. Between January 2011 and September 2014, 173 HCCs up to 5 cm were treated by MWA in 129 consecutive patients (89 men, 40 women; mean age, 66.9 y ± 9.5). Tumor characteristics related to local tumor progression and primary and secondary treatment efficacy were evaluated by univariate analysis. Outcomes were compared between tumors ≤ 3 cm and tumors > 3 cm. ResultsTechnical success, primary efficacy, and secondary efficacy were 96.5%, 99.4%, and 94.2% at a mean follow-up period of 11.8 months ± 9.8 (range, 0.8–40.6 mo). Analysis of tumor characteristics showed no significant risk factor for local tumor progression, including subcapsular location (P = .176), tumor size (P = .402), and perivascular tumor location (P = .323). The 1-year and 2-year secondary or overall treatment efficacy rates for tumors measuring ≤ 3 cm were 91.2% and 82.1% and for tumors 3.1–5 cm were 92.3% and 83.9% (P = .773). The number of sessions to achieve secondary efficacy was higher in the larger tumor group (1.13 vs 1.06, P = .005). There were three major complications in 134 procedures (2.2%). ConclusionsWith use of current-generation MWA devices, percutaneous ablation of HCCs up to 5 cm can be achieved with high efficacy.

Laparoscopic combined with percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma under liver capsule: A single Chinese center experience of thirty patients.

For the tumor lesions close to capsule of the liver, traditional percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) is limited due to high incidence of postoperative complications. The aim of the present study is to whether laparoscopic combined with PRFA (LCPR) could effectively ablate the tumor lesions close to capsule of the liver. A total of 119 patients with subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were divided into two groups: PRFA group (89 patients) and LCPR group (30 patients). RFA was accomplished through cool-tip RFA system. For LCPR, PRFA was first carried out to destroy tumors deep inside the liver tissue. Then, laparoscopic RFA was performed under the guide of laparoscopic view and destroyed the superficial part of the tumor. Postoperative morbidity and technique effectiveness between two groups were evaluated. In PRFA group, the rate of fever was 70.8% (63/89), and two patients had gallbladder damage. Five patients had ascites. Pain was found in 26 patients (29.2%). In LCPR group, the rate of fever was 22/30 (73.3%). Two patients had ascites and only two patients complained of pain. In PRFA group, 77.5% (69/89) of the tumors were totally ablated, and in LCPR, 93.3% (28/30) of the tumors were destroyed without any residuals. LCPR could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative pain and the rate of regional tumor residuals compared to the PRFA, suggesting this method could potentially be useful for subcapsular HCC ablation treatment.

Predicting recurrence following radiofrequency percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Within 5 years after percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma, roughly 70% of patients experience tumor recurrence. Relapses beyond curative options affected patients' survival. Ablation shares with resection common predictive factors of recurrence as size of the tumor, multinodularity and presence of vascular invasion. High serum α-fetoprotein level and markers of severity of underlying liver disease have also been found to be associated with recurrence and even survival. However, predictive values for recurrence of technical factors, histopathological and molecular tumors' features have been rarely studied. Few comparative studies have shown that ablation techniques impact recurrence rates. Moreover, although ablation does not allow analysis of the whole tumor, some reports suggest that biopsies allow histopathological and even molecular testing of the risk of recurrence.

Percutaneous treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: A comparison of the safety of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation

PurposeTo compare the safety of image-guided percutaneous cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and methodsThis retrospective HIPAA-compliant study received institutional review board approval. Forty-two adult patients with cirrhosis underwent image-guided percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma from 2003 to 2011. Twenty-five patients underwent 33 cryoablation procedures to treat 39 tumors, and 22 underwent 30 radiofrequency ablation procedures to treat 39 tumors. Five patients underwent both cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation procedures. Complication rates and severity per procedure were compared between the ablation groups. Potential confounding patient, procedure, and tumor-related variables were also compared. Statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Fisher's exact tests. Two-sided P-values <0.05 were considered significant. ResultsThe overall complication rates, 13 (39.4%) of 33 cryoablation procedures versus eight (26.7%) of 30 radiofrequency ablation procedures and severe/fatal complication rates, two (6.1%) of 33 cryoablation procedures versus one (3.3%) of 30 radiofrequency ablation procedures, were not significantly different between the ablation groups (both P=0.26). Severe complications included pneumothoraces requiring chest tube insertion during two cryoablation procedures. One death occurred within 90 days of a radiofrequency ablation procedure; all other complications were managed successfully. ConclusionNo significant difference was seen in the overall safety of image-guided percutaneous cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation: The imaging follow-up scheme

Percutaneous ablation using thermal or chemical methods has been widely used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nowadays, contrast-enhanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are widely used to evaluate local treatment response after ablation therapies. CEUS is gaining increasing attention due to its characteristics including real-time scanning, easy performance, lack of radiation, wide availability, and lack of allergy reactions. Several studies have documented that CEUS is comparable to CT or MRI in evaluating local treatment efficacy within 1 mo of treatment. However, little information is available regarding the role of CEUS in the follow-up assessment after first successful ablation treatment. Zheng et al found that in comparison with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of CEUS in detecting local tumor progression (LTP) were 67.5%, 97.4%, 81.8%, 94.4% and 92.3%, respectively, and were 77.7%, 92.0%, 92.4%, 76.7% and 84.0%, respectively for the detection of new intrahepatic recurrence. They concluded that the sensitivity of CEUS in detecting LTP and new intrahepatic recurrence after ablation is relatively low in comparison with CECT, and CEUS cannot replace CECT in the follow-up assessment after percutaneous ablation for HCC. These results are meaningful and instructive, and indicated that in the follow-up period, the use of CEUS alone is not sufficient. In this commentary, we discuss the discordance between CT and CEUS, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved. We propose the combined use of CT and CEUS which will reduce false positive and negative results in both modalities. We also discuss future issues, such as an evidence-based ideal imaging follow-up scheme, and a cost-effectiveness analysis of this imaging follow-up scheme.

Percutaneous ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma: 20‐year outcome and prognostic factors

BackgroundEthanol injection is the best-known image-guided percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and a well-tolerated, inexpensive procedure with few adverse effects. However, there have been few reports on its long-term results.AimsWe report a 20-year consecutive case series at a tertiary referral centre.MethodsWe performed 2147 ethanol injection treatments on 685 primary HCC patients and analysed a collected database.ResultsFinal computed tomography demonstrated complete ablation of treated tumours in 2108 (98.2%) of the 2147 treatments. With a median follow-up of 51.6 months, 5-, 10- and 20-year survival rates were 49.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 45.3–53.0%], 17.9% (95% CI = 15.0–21.2%) and 7.2% (95% CI = 4..5–11.5%) respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, Child–Pugh class, tumour size, tumour number and serum alpha-fetoprotein level were significant prognostic factors for survival. Five-, 10- and 20-year local tumour progression rates were 18.2% (95% CI = 15.0–21.4%), 18.4% (95% CI = 15.2–21.6%) and 18.4% (95% CI = 15.2–21.6%) respectively. Five-, 10- and 20-year distant recurrence rates were 53.5% (95% CI = 49.4–57.7%), 60.4 (95% CI = 56.3–64.5%) and 60.8% (95% CI = 56.7–64.9%) respectively. There were 45 complications (2.1%) and two deaths (0.09%).ConclusionsEthanol injection was potentially curative for HCC, resulting in survival for more than 20 years. This study suggests that new ablation therapies will achieve similar or even better long-term results in HCC.

A prospective cohort study using a Japanese nationwide survey to evaluate the therapeutic effects of surgery and percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

4104 Background: Which is the best treatment for less advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with good liver function remains one of the most important and unsolved problems. To solve this problem, we conducted this study and evaluated the therapeutic impacts of surgical resection (SUR), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on long-term outcomes in patients with HCC. Methods: A large-scale database constructed by a Japanese nationwide survey was used for this study. Between 2000 and 2005, 28,510 patients with HCC were treated by SUR, PEI, or RFA, among whom we identify 12,968 patients with no more than 3 tumors (≤3cm) and liver damage of class A or B. The patients were divided into SUR group (n=5,361), RFA group (n=5,548), and PEI group (n=2,059). Rates of overall and recurrence-free survival were compared among them. Results: Median follow-up was 2.16 years. Overall survival rates at 3 and 5 years were respectively 85.3%/71.1% in the SUR group, 81.0%/61.1% in the RFA, and 78.9%/56.3% in the PEI. Recurrence-free survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 56.7%/36.2%, 42.8%/28.3%, and 35.7%/23.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio for death was significantly lower in the SUR group than in the RFA (SUR vs. RFA:0.84, 95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.95; p=0.006) and the PEI (SUR vs. PEI:0.75, 0.64-0.86; p=0.0001). The hazard ratios for recurrence were also lower in the SUR group than in the RFA (SUR vs. RFA:0.74, 0.68-0.79; p=0.0001) and the PEI (SUR vs. PEI:0.59, 0.54-0.65; p=0.0001). Conclusions: Surgical resection would provide longer overall and recurrence-free survival than either RFA or PEI in patients with HCC.

Percutaneous Tumor Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This report reviews the current clinical status of percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is increasing in incidence. Multiple percutaneous ablation methods are now available for primary treatment or for bridging to transplantation. Percutaneous ethanol instillation and radiofrequency ablation are the most extensively evaluated percutaneous treatments for HCC. Newer technologies are being evaluated and may change future practice patterns.

HBcrAg is a predictor of post-treatment recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma during antiviral therapy

The recurrence rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is high even in patients receiving curative therapy. In this study, we analysed the risk factors for tumour recurrence after curative therapy for HBV-related HCC while under treatment with nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) by measuring serum HBcrAg and intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels to elucidate the viral status associated with HCC recurrence. We enrolled 55 patients who developed HCC during NA therapy and underwent either curative resection or percutaneous ablation for HCC. Hepatocellular carcinoma recurred in 21 (38%) of the patients over a period of 2.2 (range, 0.2-7.4) years. In multivariate analysis, serum HBcrAg levels ≥4.8 log U/ml at the time of HCC diagnosis (hazard ratio, 8.96; 95% confidential interval, 1.94-41.4) and portal vein invasion (3.94, 1.25-12.4) were independent factors for HCC recurrence. The recurrence-free survival rates of the high cccDNA group were significantly lower than those of the low cccDNA group only in patients who underwent resection (P=0.0438). A positive correlation (P=0.028; r=0.479) was observed between the intrahepatic cccDNA and the serum HBcrAg levels at the incidence of HCC. HBcrAg is a predictor of the post-treatment recurrence of HCC during antiviral therapy. Serum HBcrAg and intrahepatic cccDNA suppression by NAs may be important to prevent HCC recurrence.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) immediately after percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

This study evaluated the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), performed immediately after percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) or radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA), by comparing results with the computed tomography (CT) follow-up. Sixty-nine consecutive patients with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were included in this prospective study. All patients underwent PEI or RFTA. After treatment, three CEUS enhancement patterns were observed: isovascular, hypovascular and avascular, which were compared with the CT findings. Sensitivity of the avascular pattern at CEUS and effectiveness of the ablative procedures were evaluated and compared with the chi-square test. Ninety hypervascular HCCs, with a mean diameter of 2.6 cm (0.5-4.9 cm), underwent PEI (n=54) and RFTA (n=36). In the first group, CT identified complete necrosis in 28/54 (52%) lesions, 21 (75%) of which had avascular, one (4%) isovascular and six (21%) hypovascular patterns at CEUS. In the second group, CT showed complete necrosis in 31/36 (86%) lesions, all (100%) of which had a corresponding avascular pattern at CEUS. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the avascular pattern at CEUS compared with CT findings were 75%, 69%, 72%, 72% and 72% for PEI and 100%, 20%, 89%, 100% and 89%, for RFTA, respectively. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the sensitivity of CEUS after PEI and after RFTA and between the necrosis obtained by RFTA and PEI were observed. CEUS performed immediately after percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma to evaluate treatment efficacy is compulsory in the case of RFTA but not for PEI.