The efficacy and the indication of microwave coagulation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Multifocal carcinogenesis is caused by persistent infection by hepatitis viruses, and is considered the main cause postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. It has generally been believed that no single therapeutic modality (including resection) can improve the survival rate. In this paper, we describe the efficacy of microwave coagulation therapy and its indications for treatment of HCC based on an analysis of cases experienced at our institution over a 10-year period. We compare background factors, recurrence rates, and survival rates for various therapies, and conclude that microwave coagulation therapy is highly effective for tumor coagulation and necrosis. Microwave coagulation therapy is also technically easier than surgery, has fewer complications, and features survival rate equol to those of hepatectomy and local ethanol injection therapy. Due to these intrinsic advantages, microwave therapy is useful not only for treating recurrence, but also as primary therapy for small liver tumors. When the rate of detection of small liver tumors increases, microwave coagulation therapy will begin to play an even more important role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas as a less invasive option, in addition to laparotomy and percutaneous/laparoscopic surgery.