Laparoscopic US-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Liver Cirrhosis: Feasibility and Clinical Outcome

Abstract Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe, effective treatment in patients with unresectable primary liver malignancies. The laparoscopic approach to RFA (LRFA) has proved to be superior to the percutaneous approach in lesions that are difficult or impossible to be treated in such a way or in severe liver disease. Recent advances in laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) have greatly improved the accuracy in detecting intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules, many of which were missed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our aim was to assess the feasibility, clinical outcome, and efficacy of laparoscopic RFA under LUS guidance. Methods: Between February 2006 and May 2007, 24 consecutive patients (male/female, 20/4) with unresectable HCC in liver cirrhosis were treated with LRFA under LUS guidance. Most patients were in Child-Pugh class A (54.1%). Mean age of the patients was 61.79 ± 7.74 years (range, 45–76; median, 60). Results: LRFA procedure was complet...