Comparison of laparoscopic hepatectomy and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

AIM

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Medline from January 2000 to May 2022 for literature comparing the efficacy of LH and PRFA in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (largest tumour diameter ≤ 3 cm, number of intrahepatic tumours ≤3, or diameter of a single intrahepatic lesion ≤5 cm. ). We assessed overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), local recurrence and complication rates.

RESULTS

A total of 1886 patients with small HCC were included in the 8 studies included in this study, of which 839 underwent LH and 1047 underwent PRAF. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the two groups had the same 3-year (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.47) and 5-year (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.87) OS rates, and the LH group had better 3-year (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.68) and 5-year (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.85) RFS rates. The LH group had a lower local recurrence rate (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.32), but the PRFA group had a lower complication rate (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.76 to 3.54).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in OS between LH and PRFA in the treatment of small HCC. LH had a higher RFS rate and a lower local recurrence rate, but PRFA had a lower complication rate. In general, the long-term efficacy of LH in the treatment of small HCC is better than that of PRFA. Considering the advantages of less trauma and a low complication rate of PRFA, a large number of RCT studies are needed for further verification in the future.

A case of hemoperitoneum after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma

We report a case of hemoperitoneum after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. A 60-year-old female was hospitalized for the treatment of thrombasthenia and cirrhosis caused by chronic Hepatitis C, and computed tomography revealed hepatocellular carcinoma, which was treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. After the ablation, hemoperitoneum was suspected because of the low hemoglobin level with abdominal pain. Approximately 6 h after the ablation treatment, the patient suddenly fell into a shock state and died. In this case, medical treatment-related death including malpractice was suspected, and forensic autopsy was performed. The abdominal cavity contained 910 mL of dark red fluid blood and 210 g of soft hemocoagula. Moreover, several puncture marks were observed on the liver surface and diaphragm, and there was no clear damage to the main arteries and veins. Considering the macroscopic and microscopic findings, the cause of death was assumed as hemorrhagic shock due to the hemoperitoneum caused by the damage to the liver by radiofrequency ablation. It is important to consider all the indications and adverse effects of radiofrequency ablation.

Effects of different treatment methods on clinical efficacy and fertility outcomes of patients with adenomyosis

OBJECTIVE

This trial was to investigate the effect of different treatment methods on the clinical efficacy and fertility outcome of patients with adenomyosis.

METHODS

In total, 140 patients with adenomyosis were evenly and randomly allocated into group A (laparoscopic surgery), group B (laparoscopic surgery combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs [GnRH-a]), group C (ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation), and group D (ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation combined with GnRH-a). On the 3rd day after surgery, patients in group B and group D were subcutaneously injected with GnRH-a (Leuprorelin Acetate SR for Injection) at 3.75 mg/time, once every 4 weeks, for a total of 3 months. The therapeutic effects of the 4 groups were compared, including menstrual volume, dysmenorrhea score, uterine volume, clinical efficacy, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, CA125 levels, recurrence, pregnancy status, and pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

After treatment, the menstrual volume of 4 groups was lowered, dysmenorrhea, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, LH, FSH, E2, and CA125 levels were reduced, and uterine volume was decreased. The menstrual volume, VAS score, levels of LH, FSH, E2, and CA125, and uterine volume were reduced in groups B, C, and D compared with group A, and the decrease was more significant in group D. The total effective rate of group D was 100.00%, which was higher than that of group A (71.43%), group B (80.00%), and group C (82.86%). After one year of drug withdrawal, the recurrence of hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, uterine enlargement, and excessive CA125 in group D was significantly lower than that in groups A, B and C, and the recurrence in groups B and C was significantly lower than that in group A (P < 0.05). Compared with groups A, B, and C, group D had a higher pregnancy rate, natural pregnancy rate, and lower in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer rate (P < 0.05), but showed no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation combined with Leuprorelin Acetate is effective in the treatment of adenomyosis, which can effectively relieve clinical symptoms, protect postoperative ovarian function, reduce recurrence rate, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

Proton Beam Therapy versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Patients with Treatment-Naïve Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Analysis

Introduction

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is known to be an effective locoregional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few comparative studies in treatment-naïve cases have been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the survival outcomes of PBT with those of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with treatment-naïve solitary HCC.

Methods

Ninety-five consecutive patients with treatment-naïve HCC, a single nodule measuring ≤5 cm in diameter, and a Child-Pugh score of ≤8 who were treated with PBT at the University of Tsukuba Hospital between 2001 and 2013 were enrolled in the study. In addition, 836 patients with treatment-naïve HCC treated by RFA at the University of Tokyo Hospital during the same period were analyzed as controls. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared in 83 patient pairs after propensity score matching.

Results

The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year RFS rates were 86.6%, 49.5%, and 35.5%, respectively, in the PBT group and 59.5%, 34.0%, and 20.9% in the RFA group (p = 0.058); the respective OS rates were 97.6%, 77.8%, and 57.1% in the PBT group and 95.1%, 81.7%, and 67.7% in the RFA group (p = 0.16). Regarding adverse effects, no grade 3 or higher adverse events were noted in the PBT; however, two grade 3 adverse events occurred within 30 days of RFA in the RFA group: one hemoperitoneum and one hemothorax.

Discussion

After propensity score matching, PBT showed no significant difference in RFS and OS compared to RFA. PBT can be an alternative for patients with solitary treatment-naïve HCC.

Outcomes of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation versus percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Few studies have compared the therapeutic outcomes in patients with HCC who underwent laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) versus percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this study compared the recurrence and survival outcomes of the two RFA methods in patients with HCC.

METHODS

Recurrence and overall survival outcomes were evaluated in 307 patients who underwent LRFA (n = 151) or PRFA (n = 156) as a treatment method for de novo HCC. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed to reduce the impact of treatment selection bias.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in major baseline characteristics between the LRFA and PRFA groups. However, the proportion of cirrhotic patients was higher in the LRFA group, whereas the LRFA group had more tumors and a more advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage. Moreover, the mean tumor size was significantly larger in the LRFA group than in the PRFA group. In a multivariate analysis, serum albumin level, more than three tumors, and the RFA method were identified as significant predictors of recurrence-free survival. Moreover, for the overall survival of HCC patients, serum albumin levels, days of hospital stay during RFA, and the RFA method were independent predictors. In the IPTW-adjusted analysis, the LRFA group showed significantly higher recurrence-free survival and overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that compared with PRFA, LRFA was associated with longer recurrence-free survival and favorable overall survival in patients with HCC. Therefore, LRFA should be considered the primary therapy in patients with HCC eligible for RFA.

Endoscopic biliary treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: A meta-analysis of survival outcomes and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA), percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA), and photodynamic therapy (PDT), when used in conjunction with conventional biliary stenting, have demonstrated a survival benefit in patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.

AIM

To compare pooled survival outcomes, adverse event rates, and mean stent patency for those undergoing these procedures.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review of published studies and abstracts from January 2011 to December 2020 was performed comparing survival outcomes in patients undergoing ERFA with stenting, biliary stenting alone, PRFA with stenting, and PDT with stenting for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).

RESULTS

Data from four studies demonstrated a pooled mean survival favoring ERFA as compared to biliary stenting alone (12.0 ± 0.9 mo vs 6.8 ± 0.3 mo, P < 0.001) as well as statistically improved median survival time (13 mo vs 8 mo, P < 0.001). Both ERFA with stenting and PRFA with stenting groups demonstrated statistical superiority to biliary stenting alone (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). However, when comparing ERFA to PRFA, pooled data demonstrated overall higher mean survival in the ERFA with stenting cohort as compared to PRFA with stent cohort (12.0 + 0.9 mo vs 8.1 + 2.1 mo, P < 0.0001). Data from two studies demonstrated a pooled median survival favoring ERFA with stenting as compared to PDT with stenting (11.3 mo vs 8.5 mo, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

While further prospective, randomized studies are needed to assess efficacy of ERFA, our meta-analysis demonstrated that this technique offers endoscopists a reasonable palliative method by which to treat patients with unresectable CCA that results in longer survival as compared to biliary stenting alone, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with biliary stenting, and PDT with biliary stenting as well as an acceptable adverse event profile based on available published data.

Efficacy of Tract Embolization After Percutaneous Pulmonary Radiofrequency Ablation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of tract embolization technique using gelatin sponge slurry with iodinated contrast medium (GSSI) to reduce the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after computed tomography-guided lung radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-institute retrospective study, we examined all patients with metastatic cancer treated from January 2016 to December 2019 by interventional radiologists with computed tomography-guided lung RFA. Since 2017 in our institution, we have applied a tract embolization technique using GSSI for all RFA. Patients were included into those who underwent lung RFA performed either with GSSI (Group A) or without GSSI (Group B). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed between the two groups to identify risk factors for pneumothorax and chest tube placement, including patient demographics and lesion characteristics.

RESULTS

This study included 116 patients (54 men, 62 women; mean age, 65 ± 11 years) who underwent RFA. Group A comprised 71 patients and Group B comprised 45 patients. Patients who underwent tract embolization had a significantly lower incidence of pneumothorax (Group A, 34% vs. Group B, 62%; p < 0.001) and chest tube insertion (Group A, 10% vs. Group B, 29%; p < 0.01). No embolic complications occurred. The hospitalization stay was significantly shorter in patients who underwent tract embolization (mean, 1.04 ± 0.2 days; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Tract embolization after percutaneous lung RFA significantly reduced the rate of post-RFA pneumothorax and chest tube placement and was safer than the standard lung RFA technique.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is superior to hepatic resection in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

It is not known whether percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) has the same treatment efficacy and fewer complications than laparoscopic resection in patients with small centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIM

To compare the effectiveness of PRFA with classical laparoscopic resection in patients with small HCC and document the safety parameters.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 85 patients treated with hepatic resection (HR) and 90 PRFA-treated patients were enrolled in our hospital from July 2016 to July 2019. Treatment outcomes, including major complications and survival data, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The results showed that minor differences existed in the baseline characteristics between the patients in the two groups. PRFA significantly increased cumulative recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 1.048, 95%CI: 0.265–3.268) and overall survival (hazard ratio 0.126, 95%CI: 0.025–0.973); PRFA had a lower rate of major complications than HR (7.78% vs 20.0%, P < 0.05), and hospital stay was shorter in the PRFA group than in the HR group (7.8 ± 0.2 d vs 9.5 ± 0.3 d, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Based on the data obtained, we conclude that PRFA was superior to HR and may reduce complications and hospital stay in patients with small HCC.

Evaluation of efficacy, safety and treatment-related outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation versus partial hepatectomy for small primary liver cancer meeting the Milan criteria: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the efficacy, safety, and treatment-related outcomes between percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PtRFA) and partial hepatectomy (PH) for small primary liver cancer meeting the Milan criteria.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. A priori protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database, and a literature search of all relevant studies published on PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science database, and Science Direct until July 2019 was performed. Only randomized controlled trials published in English were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

Of the 385 identified articles, only five randomized controlled trials involving 761 adult patients with small liver cancer were included in the final analysis. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival between PtRFA and PH did not reach significant difference (P-value>0.05). The long-term recurrence rate was higher and the recurrence-free survival was lower in patients treated with PtRFA compared with those treated with PH (P-value<0.05), but short-term (1-year) comparisons did not reach statistical significance. With regard to treatment-related complications, serious adverse event risks, analgesics needs, hospital stay and costs, PtRFA had significant superiority compared with PH.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall treatment effects of PtRFA are comparable to PH for small liver cancer. Though patients with PtRFA have a higher long-term recurrence rate, these patients share less complications, few serious adverse event risks, less analgesics needs, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs. PtRFA may be recommended as the preferred treatment of solitary liver tumors<3cm in diameter.

Comparison of the therapeutic outcomes between open plantar fascia release and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of intractable plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints in foot and ankle clinic, and one of the leading causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out in 31 cases (39 feet) of patients with intractable plantar fasciitis. In the enrolled 26 cases, 16 patients (19 feet) received open plantar fascia release, and the other 15 patients (20 feet) received percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. The surgical results were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS-AH) before and after surgery in all patients.

RESULTS

All 31 patients were followed up successfully, with a mean follow-up time of 58.77 months. There were no differences of patient's demographics and characteristics information between the two groups. The average operative time of the feet in the open plantar fascia release is longer than that in the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Furthermore, the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation group had a shorter recovery time to normal activity than the open plantar fascia release group. There were no differences of postoperative VAS scores and the AOFAS-AH scores between the two groups. All patients reported satisfaction after either operation.

CONCLUSION

The symptoms of pain and limb function were significantly improved in patients both of the partial plantar fascia release treated group and the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation treated group. The two types of surgical procedures shared the same long-term curative effects. However, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was a better technique from the point of shorter operative time and postoperative recovery time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Minimally invasive surgery versus radiofrequency ablation for single subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 2 cm with compensated liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

There is currently no consensus regarding the relative applicability of minimally invasive treatment, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in patients with a single small peripheral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and compensated cirrhosis. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of MIS and RFA for single subcapsular HCC ≤ 2 cm in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 75 patients who had a single subcapsular HCC ≤ 2 cm along with Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis and a preoperative platelet count ≥ 100 k/μl. These patients underwent RFA (n = 39) or MIS (n = 36) between 2010 and 2016. Clinical outcomes including disease-free survival (DFS), survival without recurrence beyond the Milan criteria (RBM), and overall survival (OS) were compared.

RESULTS

The 7-year DFS rates in the MIS and RFA groups were 86.1% and 35.9% (p < 0.001), respectively, the 7-year RBM rates were 88.9% and 66.7% (p = 0.014), respectively, and the 7-year OS rates were 97.2% and 82.1% (p = 0.008), respectively. RFA was associated with more ipsilateral lobe recurrence (20% vs. 83.4%, p = 0.004), and 40% were in direct contact with the ablation penumbra. A Cox proportional hazard analysis identified RFA as an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.625, p = 0.038). No major complications occurred in either group. RFA patients had a shorter hospital stay (median of 2 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001) and operation time (median of 23.5 vs. 216 min, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MIS was associated with a better 7-year OS, RBM, and DFS among patients with single subcapsular HCC ≤ 2 cm, Child-Pugh A liver function, and no clinically significant portal hypertension when compared to those who underwent percutaneous RFA.

An exploratory study of CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for stage I thymoma

Background

Thymoma is a rare tumor that originates from thymic epithelial cells and is usually associated with myasthenia gravis. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive and curative treatment for other tumors, but RFA has not been used for the early treatment of thymoma.

Methods

The current study included 13 patients with stage I thymoma who were not candidates for surgical resection or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). All patients underwent first-line CT-guided percutaneous RFA. The feasibility and therapeutic effects of the intervention were thoroughly documented.

Results

All tumors were completely ablated (13 / 13, 100%). During follow-up (median 80.5 months, range, 64.6–116.9 months), only 1 of the 13 patients had recurrence of thymoma (1 / 13, 7.7%) at 35.5 months after the initial ablation. There were no surgery-related deaths after RFA treatment. The most common complications were fever (13 / 13, 100%) and pain (13 / 13, 100%). There was only one patient who occurred severe puncture-related bleeding during the procedure that needed blood transfusion and intravascular embolization of the punctured-injured vessel.

Conclusion

CT-guided percutaneous RFA for treatment of stage I thymoma is associated with minor trauma, few complications and good treatment outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Deep Sedation in Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted as safe and effective for treating early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it often causes severe pain. Therefore, in this study, we performed RFA under deep sedation and investigated its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study including 511 HCC patients who received approximately 886 RFA treatments between December 2014 and November 2016 at our institution. Respiratory depression was defined as oxygen saturation of below 90%; and severe body movement was defined as movement caused by pain, which was managed by lowering the power of the generator. Factors associated with respiratory depression and severe body movement were examined via univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Respiratory depression occurred in 15.3% of the patients and severe body movement in 26.5% of the patients. In the multivariate analysis, BMI (≥ 25 kg/m², odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, P = 0.035) and longer ablation (≥ 10 min, OR = 2.59, P = 0.002) were significant respiratory depression-related factors. Male sex (OR = 2.02, P = 0.005), Child-Pugh class A (odds ratio = 1.96, P = 0.018), and longer ablation (≥ 10 min, OR = 3.03, P < 0.001) were significant factors related to severe body movement.

CONCLUSION

Deep sedation for RFA can be performed safely and effectively. Higher BMI and longer ablation were risk factors for respiratory depression and male sex, Child-Pugh class A, and longer ablation were independent predictors of severe body movement during RFA under deep sedation.

Immediate Clinical Success After Percutaneous Ablation of Extra-adrenal Paraganglioma

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are catecholamine-secreting neoplasms of chromaffin cells and represent a rare but curable cause of secondary hypertension. Surgery is the treatment of choice for symptomatic PGLs. A small (7 mm) extra-adrenal PGL was diagnosed in the right retroperitoneal space in a 19-year-old patient affected by symptomatic hypertension unresponsive to medical treatment. Indication to percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was given by a multidisciplinary team on the basis of the size of the nodule, the surgical risks, the young age of the patient, and his wish to reduce as much as possible the post-interventional rehabilitation. To our knowledge, the use of percutaneous RFA in the treatment of retroperitoneal extra-adrenal primary paragangliomas has never been described. We describe its feasibility and the patient's clinical outcome.

Open Liver Resection, Laparoscopic Liver Resection, and Percutaneous Thermal Ablation for Patients with Solitary Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma (≤30 mm): Review of the Literature and Proposal for a Therapeutic Strategy

BACKGROUND

Patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤3 cm and preserved liver function have the highest likelihood to be cured if treated. The most adequate treatment methods are yet a matter that is debated.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature about open anatomic resection (AR), laparoscopic liver resection (LLR), and percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA).

RESULTS

PTA is effective as resection for HCC < 2 cm, when they are neither subcapsular nor perivascular. PTA in HCC of 2-3 cm is under evaluation. AR with the removal of the tumor-bearing portal territory is recommended for HCC > 2 cm, except for subcapsular ones. In comparison with open surgery, LRR has better short-term outcomes and non-inferior long-term outcomes. LLR is standardized for superficial limited resections and for left-sided AR.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the available evidences, the following therapeutic proposal can be advanced. Laparoscopic limited resection is the standard for any subcapsular HCC. PTA is the first-line treatment for deep-located HCC < 2 cm, except for those in contact with Glissonean pedicles. Laparoscopic AR is the standard for deep-located HCC of 2-3 cm of the left liver, while open AR is the standard for deep-located HCC of 2-3 cm in the right liver. HCC in contact with Glissonean pedicles should be scheduled for resection (open or laparoscopic) independent of their size. Liver transplantation is reserved to otherwise untreatable patients or as a salvage procedure at recurrence.

Is a surgical CURE in the future for colorectal cancer liver metastasis?

This review was constructed to evaluate the current advancements in the surgical management of colorectal cancer liver metastases. A shift from the classic conservative and palliative management of such cases has begun with transitions toward surgical management. This shift is due to multiple compounding factors of which many are being studied and presented individually. By combing these factors together, this review provides guidance on the most significant preoperative prognostic factors and suggests future treatment goals for these patients. A progressive conversion from conservative to surgical management also presents ethical implications to be considered. This review may direct future research on surgical resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases and provide advantageous information on the value of preoperative prognostic factors and the role of surgical intervention in this patient population.

Comparison of laparoscopic hepatectomy, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and open hepatectomy in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Three mainstream techniques--laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH), percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (pRFA), and open hepatectomy (OH)--were compared in this study, in terms of their efficacies in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

A comparative study was performed within a total of 94 patients diagnosed with small HCC in our hospital from 2005 to 2010, who underwent LH (28), RFA (33), or OH (33). They had either a single tumor lesion of less than or up to three nodules with diameters of less than each. Outcomes were carefully evaluated throughout a 3-year follow-up interval and statistically interpreted.

RESULTS

The pRFA group had a significantly lower disease-free survival rate compared with the two surgical groups (P=0.001) and significantly shorter overall survival (P=0.005), while the LH group and the OH group had no difference in survival results. For patients younger than 60 years old, surgical approaches offered a better long-term overall survival prognosis (P=0.008). There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in overall survival for elderly patients (P=0.104).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with small HCC, LH may provide better curative effects than pRFA without increasing complication rates. pRFA leads to faster recurrence than surgical resections. LH has similar therapeutic effects to OH and causes less trauma. For patients younger than 60 years old, LH may be the best curative treatment. Elderly patients may choose either surgery or pRFA.

A case report

We describe a new emergency interventional radiology approach in percutaneous procedure complications. We present the case of an 81-year-old male with small renal cancer, approached with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RTA) and complicated by pseudoaneurysm bleeding of a renal artery branch. In the emergency setting, pseudoaneurysm was treated in the CT room by the same RTA needle, without any complications or local tumor recurrence during the next 6-month follow-up.

Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of hypersplenism: A feasible therapeutic option

We present a case of a patient with hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension due to hepato-splenic schistosomiasis, which was accompanied by severe and refractory thrombocytopenia. We performed spleen ablation and measured the total spleen and ablated volumes with contrast-enhanced computed tomography and volumetry. No major complications occurred, thrombocytopenia was resolved, and platelet levels remained stable, which allowed for early treatment of the patient’s underlying disease. Previous work has shown that splenic radiofrequency ablation is an attractive alternative treatment for hypersplenism induced by liver cirrhosis. We aimed to contribute to the currently sparse literature evaluating the role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the management of hypersplenism. We conclude that splenic RFA appears to be a viable and promising option for the treatment of hypersplenism.

Prognostic factors for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence

The recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, the sixth most common neoplasm and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, represents an important clinical problem, since it may occur after both surgical and medical treatment. The recurrence rate involves 2 phases: an early phase and a late phase. The early phase usually occurs within 2 years after resection; it is mainly related to local invasion and intrahepatic metastases and, therefore, to the intrinsic biology of the tumor. On the other hand, the late phase occurs more than 2 years after surgery and is mainly related to de novo tumor formation as a consequence of the carcinogenic cirrhotic environment. Since recent studies have reported that early and late recurrences may have different risk factors, it is clinically important to recognize these factors in the individual patient as soon as possible. The aim of this review was, therefore, to identify predicting factors for the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, by means of invasive and non-invasive methods, according to the different therapeutic strategies available. In particular the role of emerging techniques (e.g., transient elastography) and biological features of hepatocellular carcinoma in predicting recurrence have been discussed. In particular, invasive methods were differentiated from non-invasive ones for research purposes, taking into consideration the emerging role of the genetic signature of hepatocellular carcinoma in order to better allocate treatment strategies and surveillance follow-up in patients with this type of tumor.

Relationship between postoperative imaging findings and therapeutic effect in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation

AIM: To investigate the relationship between postoperative imaging findings and therapeutic effect in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA).

METHODS: Thirty-six patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who undersent ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation were selected. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotrans-ferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), and alpha fetal protein (AFP) as well as imaging findings were retrospectively analyzed (1 day before, 7, 14 and 28 d after PRFA).

RESULTS: The levels of ALT and AST were significantly higher on day 7 after PRFA than on day 1 before PRFA (102.21 U/L ± 53.41 U/L vs 55.34 U/L ± 36.57 U/L, 90.58 U/L ± 37.22 U/L vs 65.77 U/L ± 40.29 U/L), and they decreased to preoperative levels on day 14. Patients with an AFP level decreased by ≥ 50% on day 28 showed complete ablation of the tumors on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high echo area with liquefaction and no blood flow in the center of the lesions on ultrasound. Patients with elevated AFP values showed incomplete ablation of the tumors on MRI and incomplete high echo area with blood flow on ultrasound. The effective rate of PRFA was higher than 60% when the levels of AFP were used as evaluation criterion. The 3-year survival rate was 68%. The median survival time was 38.09 mo.

CONCLUSION: The imaging findings can well reflect the changes of serum markers and recurrence in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Imaging examinations can be used as an effective approach for the detection of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular lesions in segment II of the liver: a risk factor for cardiac tamponade

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinomas. PRFA is regarded as a much safer alternative to surgical resection or orthotopic liver transplantation. However, serious complications, including cardiac tamponade, have been reported. Two cases of severe cardiac tamponade during PRFA were successfully treated.