Radiofrequency ablation of large primary hepatic carcinoma

Objective To study local therapeutic efficacy and complications of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of large primary hepatic carcinoma lesions (diameter3 cm).Methods 44 patients who had large primary hepatic carcinoma from 2000.8 to 2002.6 in ourhospital were collected.32 cases underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) and 12 introoperative radiofrequency ablation (IRFA).Results Complete necrosis was attained in 24 lesions (24/44),nearly complete (90%～99%) necrosis in 12 lesions (12/44) and partial (50%～89%) necrosis in the remaining 8 lesions (8/44).AFP was returned normal level in 16 lesions of 34 positive hepatic carcinoma after one month.New nodes were found in 4 cases during IRFA.Following 6 months after the first treatment of 39 cases,9 cases recurred in 44 patients.Pyrexia,right hydrothorax and liver dysfunction were observed in large primary hepatic carcinoma.Conclusion RFA appears to be an effective,safe and relatively simple procedure for the treatment of large primary hepatic carcinoma.IRFA has some advantages.Meanwhile,several times of the treatment and positive hepatic protection after procedure are needed for tumors when their diameter is larger than 10 cm.