Ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation for liver carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonically guided radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation of hepatic carcinoma (HC) with a clustered electrode. Methods Clinical records on 245 consecutively admitted HC patients who underwent RF tissue ablation therapy were analyzed. The tumor supplying blood flow, changes of tumor size, clinical manifestation, and AFP level were analyzed. Results AFP value decreased significantly in 50% of patients one week after ablation. Tumors less than 5*!cm in diameter became avascularized 1 to 6 months after the therapy, and it was noted that all tumors shrank in size after the therapy. For tumors more than 5*!cm in diameter, RF ablation was used in conjunction with intraarterial chemotherapy and embolization. Conclusion Ultrasound guided RF thermal ablation is an effective, safe, minimally invasive technique for treating malignant hepatic tumors.