Cryosurgery on the Treatment of Hepatic Tumors

BACKGROUND: Primary and metastatic tumors in the liver are difficult to treat. When surgical resection is not feasible, cryotherapy is one of the several alternative approaches. METHODS: The data on outcomes from hepatic resections are reviewed, and the rationale and techniques of performing cryosurgery for unresectable hepatic cancers are described. The literature is reviewed and combined with the experiences of the authors on cryosurgery for management of hepatic tumors. RESULTS: The indications and techniques for performing cryosurgery are now well established. The procedure is relatively safe, and long-term survival rates of over 20% may be achieved. CONCLUSIONS: While cryotherapy is effective for localized tumors in the liver, additional adjuvant approaches are required to control disease in the untreated liver. Endoscopic techniques may minimize patient morbidity.