Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation in the treatment of hepatic cancer

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation in treatment of hepatic carcinoma. Methods Thirty hepatic caner patients with 49 malignant lesions underwent radiofrequency thermal ablation. The ablation areas were observed and the vascular flow to tumor nodules, radiographic images, tumor size, clinical findings and AFP value were assessed before and after the radiofrequency thermal treatment. Results Forty-nine nodules were successfully ablated with radiofrequency thermal treatment. During follow-up of 3~14 months, 9 of 30 patients had recurrences and all received the second radiofrequency thermal ablation successfully. Two among 30 patients died from hepatic failure. Conclusion Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective technique for treatment of liver tumors.