Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the caudate lobe.Patients and methodsBetween January 2001 and December 2006, 17 patients (twelve males and five females) who were between 33 and 68 years old (mean 54.3), with caudate lobe HCC [2.0–6.5 cm in diameter (mean 3.1)] were treated with either PRFA alone (n = 14), or PRFA with percutaneous ethanol injection (n = 3) under ultrasound guidance. The right or the anterior approach was used in 12 and 5 patients, respectively.ResultsAll procedures were performed successfully. There was no mortality and major morbidity due to PRFA. Fourteen tumors (82%) were completely ablated after one to two sessions of treatment. During follow-up (range 3–60, mean 29.1 months), two (14%) developed local recurrence. Intrahepatic metastases developed in 9 of 17 patients (53%). No distant metastasis was found. Four patients died (24%), 3 from tumor progression and 1 from hepatic failure. The 1-, 2-, and 4-year overall survivals were 88%, 80%, and 72%, respectively, and the progress free survivals were 47%, 20%, and 10%, respectively.ConclusionsPRFA is efficacious and safe for patients with HCC in the caudate lobe.