Abstract
Background
The role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for perivascular (up to 5 mm from the major intrahepatic portal vein or hepatic vein branches) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear because of possible incomplete tumour ablation and potential vascular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA for perivascular HCC without hepatic inflow occlusion.
Methods
Between May 2001 and November 2003, RFA using an internally cooled electrode was performed on 52 patients with perivascular HCC (group 1) through open (n = 39), percutaneous (n = 9), laparoscopic (n = 2) and thoracoscopic (n = 2) approaches. Hepatic inflow occlusion was not applied during the ablation procedure. The perioperative and postoperative outcomes were compared with those of 90 patients with non-perivascular HCC (group 2) treated by RFA during the same period.
Results
The morbidity rate was similar between groups 1 and 2 (25 versus 28 per cent; P = 0ยท844). One patient in group 1 (2 per cent) and two in group 2 (2 per cent) had developed thrombosis of major intrahepatic blood vessels on follow-up computed tomography scan. There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in mortality rate (2 versus 0 per cent; P = 0ยท366), complete ablation rate for small HCC (92 versus 98 per cent; P = 0ยท197), local recurrence rate (11 versus 9 per cent; P = 0ยท762) and overall survival (1-year: 86 versus 87 per cent; 2-year: 75 versus 75 per cent; P = 0ยท741).
Conclusion
RFA without hepatic inflow occlusion is a safe and effective treatment for perivascular HCC.