Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma by a cool-tip electrode

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation is a new therapy for liver neoplasms in which the surrounding area is heated by radiofrequency energy emitted from the inserted electrode, which results in coagulation necrosis of the tumor. We performed radiofrequency ablation using a cool-tip electrode for 61 lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma in 30 cases. Radiofrequency ablation was canceled in no intended cases to treat because of a location of the lesion or others. CT after the treatment demonstrated that all lesions treated by radiofrequency ablation became non-enhanced, showing entire necrosis of the tumor. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation using a cool-tip electrode, is feasible in almost all cases which can be treated by percutaneous ethanol injection therapy or percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy, and it may reduce the number of treatment sessions and shorten the hospital stay. In the near future, radiofrequency ablation seems to play a major role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.