Background and Study Aims: Percutaneous interstitial thermal ablation therapy effectively treats hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC) that can be visualized on percutaneous ultrasonography. However, when
the tumor is located just under the top of the diaphragm, visualization can be difficult
with conventional ultrasonographic examination. There are also problems concerning
complete tumor ablation. We performed thoracoscopic thermal ablation therapy for HCC
located just beneath the diaphragm in nine patients with advanced liver cirrhosis.
Patients and Methods: Eight patients underwent thoracoscopic microwave coagulation therapy, and one patient
underwent thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation therapy.
Results: Despite the poor hepatic reserve, postoperative recovery after thoracoscopic thermal
ablation therapy was rapid in all patients, without deterioration of hepatic function.
Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that the new technique of thoracoscopic thermal ablation
therapy is a less invasive optional therapy for HCC located in segments VII or VIII
in cirrhotic patients.
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T. Ishikawa, M.D.
Dept. of Gastroenterology
University of Tokyo
7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku
Tokyo, 113-8655
Japan
Fax: + 81-3-56843987
Email: takduck-tky@umin.ac.jp
