Evaluation of short-term efficiency and affecting factors of radiofrequency ablation guided by sonography in hepatic malignant tumors

Objective To evaluate the short-term efficiency and risk factors for effects after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatic malignant tumors under the guidance of sonography.Methods The clinical data and the follow-up radiographic images of the patients with hepatic malignant tumors treated by percutaneous RFA were reviewed between June 2011 and May 2012,and the short-term incomplete ablation rate,recurrance rate and tumor progression rate were calculated,and the factors affecting the incomplete ablation rate,recurrence rate and progression rate were analyzed.Results 610 lesions were ablated in the total of 462 RFA procedures for 405 patients under the guidance of sonography with percutaneous method.The average size of the tumor was (2.5 ± 1.1)cm.During at least 3-month follow-up,complete and incomplete ablation rate was 89.2％ (544/610) and 10.8％ (66/610)separately,and recurrance rate and progression rate of tumor was 17.5％ (81/462) and 23.8％ (110/462).The numbers (≥3) and the size (≥3 cm) and the location (close to vessels) of the lesions reduced the complete ablation rate.The numbers (≥3) of lesions affected the recurrence rate and progression rate of lesions as only risk factor.Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metstasis from gastrointestine or non-gastrointestine had higher recurrence rate and progression rate comparing with primary HCC.Conclusions RFA can effectively control local progression of hepatic maglinant tumors,and the tumor's size,number and location close to velssels could effect complete ablation rate,the number of tumors could effect the recurrence and porgression rate.Recurrent HCC and metstasis from gastrointestine or nongastrointestine had higher recurrence and progression rate comparing with primary HCC. Key words: Ultrasonography; Liver neoplasms; Catheter ablation; Treatment outcome