Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation combined with portal vein perfusion chemotherapy for prevention of portal vein tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the effect of percutaneous microwave ablation and portal vein perfusion chemotherapy under ultrasound guidance on the prevention of portal vein tumor thrombus( PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma( HCC). Methods:A total of 78 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma without PVTT were treated by microwave ablation and portal vein perfusion chemotherapy. The serum fetoprotein( AFP) was determined after therapy,the new tumor nodules and portal vein tumor thrombus were identified by ultrasound and CT scanning,and the recurrence status and survival time were recorded for all patients. Results:The 0. 5-,1-,2-,and 3-year recurrence rates were 5. 12%,11. 53%,20. 51% and 35. 90% respectively,and the survival rates were97. 43%,94. 87%,75. 64% and 39. 74% respectively. No PVTT was found during the 3-year follow-up period. Conclusion:Percutaneous microwave ablation combined with portal vein perfusion chemotherapy under ultrasound guidance could improve the therapeutic efficacy and increase the survival rate,which may prevent the tumor thrombosis in portal vein.