Percutaneous ethanol injection therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. A histopathologic study

Current situation and progress of local ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Local ablation therapy with satisfactory therapeutic effects has been an important combined therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are mainly two ablation methods available including thermal ablation and chemical ablation. Thermal ablation techniques include microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, high intensity focus ultrasound (HIFU) and cryoablation, etc. Chemical ablation methods include mainly ethanol ablation and acetic acid ablation. In this article, our objective was to evaluate the current situation and progress of local ablation therapy in terms of its principles, indications, therapeutic effects, complications, contraindications and pros and cons of various ablation therapies for HCC.