Radiofrequency ablation for liver cancer in difficult place under percutaneous local anesthesia combined with contrast enhanced ultrasonography

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of radiofrequency ablation for difficult access liver cancer under percutaneous local anesthesia combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Methods 45 patients(62 lesions) in the experimental group were treated by percutaneous, local anesthesia combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and in some cases with artificial ascites assisted by radiofrequency ablation vs control group of 40 patients (54 lesions) receiving radiofrequency ablation guided by CT or ultrasound through laparoscopy or open surgery. The complications, and postoperative residual and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. Results Of the all patients, 4 cases suffered from severe complications. The pain scores and the blood loss were less significant in the experimental group. There was no significant difference in tumor residual rate between the two groups when evaluated on one month after the procedures, and in the recurrence rate after three and six months. Conclusion Radiofrequency ablation for difficult liver cancer by percutaneous local anesthesia combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is less traumatic and less of complications compared to traditional method with a similar tumor residual rate and recurrence rate. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Catheter ablation