A comparative study on the use of a three-dimensional visualization operative planning system in Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for large hepatic hemangiomas

Objective To study the use of a three dimensional (3D) visualization operative planning system in Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (US-PMWA) for large hepatic hemangiomas (LHHs). Methods A total of 50 patients with LHHs from January 2011 to August 2018 were included in Department of Interventional Ultrasound, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, including 12 males and 38 females (age from 28.0~60.0, mean age was 43.0). Fifty patients with LHHs were divided into the 3D and 2D groups (25 cases in each group). The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by contrast-enhanced imagings on follow-up. Hepatic and renal functions were studied. The complete ablation, tumor volume shrinkage and complication rates were analyzed. Results The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine after ablation in the 3D group were significantly lower than the 2D group [(126.7±56.4)U/L vs. (204.7±76.5)U/L; (141.0±60.8)U/L vs. (206.6±77.4)U/L; (57.3±17.6)U/L vs. (86.2±46.1)U/L; (66.6±16.6)mmol/L vs. (86.8±42.8)mmol/L, P<0.05, respectively]. Compared with the 2D group, the ablation energy, ablation time and proportion of hemoglobinuria in the 3D group were all significantly less, while the complete ablation rate was significantly higher [(93.7±3.3)% vs. (97.7±2.4)%](all P<0.05). Conclusion The 3D visualization operative planning system provided a scientific, quantifiable, and individualized therapy for LHHs using US-PMWA. Key words: Ablation techniques; Hemangioma; Liver; Three dimensional visualization operative planning system