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Large Hepatocarcinoma: Treatment with RadioFrequency Ablation

Objective To explore efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of large hepatocarcinoma. MethodsFortythree cases of large hepatocarcinoma underwent RFA with the expandable cluster electrode,eight of all cases had undergone transcatheter artery chemoembolization (TAE) for 1-2 sessions within 2 months before RFA; the tumors were 5-10 cm in diameter, mean 7.5 cm. Hepatic function examination, alphafetoprotein, enhanced CT scans,color ultrasonography and needle biopsy were performed,pre and posttreatment. Complete necrosis was evaluated by dynamic enhanced CT scans and biopsy. Therapeutic time and sessions of RFA,length of stay in hospital and complications of RFA were observed; and thirtynine of 43 cases after RFA were followed up for 12-18 months.ResultsFortythree cases of large hepatocarcinoma received RFA for 67 sessions， 1-3 sessions per case，mean 1.6 sessions; therapeutic time 55-150 min,mean 75 min; length of stay in hospital 3-15 day， mean 8.7 day; major complications of RFA included local skin burn of electrode board in 2 cases （4.6%） and moderatetolarge right pleural effusion in 3 cases （7.0%），overall complications rate was 11.6%; complete necrosis was achieved in 41.0% of cases which were evaluated by dynamic enhanced CT scans at least 6 months followed RFA; of thirtyone cases of positive AFP, AFP level became negative in 3,decreased obviously in 5 within 6-12 months after RFA; in 12-18 months followup,oneyear survival rate was 69.2%.Conclusion RFA appears to be safe, effective and minor invasive for the treatment of large hepatocarcinoma.