Role of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation Inpatients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract EN

Introduction : radiofrequency ablation (UFA) is a promising technique for local control of liver malignancy such as primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

This technique has become the main stream of the treatment of non-surgical modalities in clinical settings.

Objective : A study was conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for small and medium sized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Patients and methods: Thirty five cirrhotic patients (M : F ; 28 : 7, age ; 57.4 ± 7.8 years) each with solitary HCC mass lesion (mean size; 3.01±0.82cm) were consecutively recruited at Assiut University Hospital between August 2007 and November 2009.

HCC was diagnosed by raised alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and contrast-enhanced CT.

Lesions were stratified into 2 groups ; "Group A " : lesions < 3cm (n = 22) and "Group B" : lesions 3-5cm (n-13).

Single session RFA was done and all patients were followed-up with AFP and contrast-enhanced CT after one month and 6 months post-procedure.

Results: Complete ablation was achieved in 77.1 % (27 / 35) of patients after one-month {81.8 % (18 / 22) in group A and 69.2% (9 / 13) in group B ; p = 0.3}.

Local recurrence was noticed in 3 patients after 6 months (one in group A and 2 in group B).

AFP levels were significantly reduced in both groups after one month and 6- months' follow-up.

No major complications occurred in all patients treated by RFA.

Conclusion : RFA is less effective in ablating medium sized HCC (3-5cm) than in ablating small sized HCC < 3cm.

The procedure is safe, effective and without major complications.