Abstract
Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and technical efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency
ablation (RFA) of surface hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in comparison to intraparenchymal
HCC in cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: Surface lesions were defined as tumours located or reaching within 1cm of liver capsule
including exophytic lesions. Seventy-four surface HCC including 21 exophytic in 58
patients (surface group) and 60 intraparenchymal HCC in 54 patients (intraparenchymal
group) measuring up to 4 cm in maximum extent underwent percutaneous [ultrasound (US)
or computed tomography-guided (CT-guided)] RFA. The response to the treatment was
assessed by contrast enhanced CT/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done at 1, 3, 6,
9, and 12 months of RFA and thereafter every 4–6 months. In case of features suggesting
residual disease, a repeat RFA was performed. The technical success after single-session
RFA, complications and disease recurrence rates were calculated and compared between
two groups. Results: Technical success achieved after first session of RFA in surface HCC was 95% (70/74)
and intraparenchymal HCC was 97% (58/60). Hundred percent secondary success rate was
achieved in both groups after second repeat RFA in residual lesion. No major difference
in complication and local recurrence rate in both group on follow-up in surface HCC
and intraparenchymal HCC. No case of needle track, peritoneal seeding, and treatment
mortality was found. Conclusions: The complication rate and efficacy of RFA for surface and exophytic HCC's were comparable
to that of intraparenchymal HCC. Hence surface and exophytic lesions should not be
considered a contraindication for RFA in cirrhotic patients.
Keywords
Cirrhotic patients - hepatocellular carcinoma - intraparenchymal - radiofrequency
ablation - surface