Ultrasound guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation using "cool tip needle" for treatment of liver tumors

Objective To investigate the efficacy, adaptation and complications of the cool tip needle radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for liver tumors. Methods Fifty two patients with hepatic malignancies underwent ultrasound guided RFA under local anesthesia. The tumors were 1 0 13 6 cm (mean = 3 67 cm) in diameter. Results The complete ablation (CA) rate of 88 4% (38/43) was seen in the tumors with a diameter less than 3 cm. The CA rate of 75 7% (28/37) was seen in tumors with a diameter of 3 5 cm it decreased to 33 3% (6/18) in tumors with a diameter over 5 cm. Eight patients showing no CA were treated with RFA 3 6 months later. No patient died and there was no change to celiotomy. No patient had hemorrhage after the treatment. The complications included abdominal pain in 8 patients (15 4%), nausea in 5 (9 6%), jaundice in 6 (11 5%), fever in 17 (32 7%) and biliary leakage in 1 (1 9%). Conclusions Ultrasound guided RF using cool tip needle is more effective in the patients with liver tumors of under 5 cm in diameter. Meanwhile, it is a safe way for treatment of liver tumors.