[Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma]

Percutaneous local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is minimally invasive. Moreover, since local radical cure may be possible, the procedure has become widely performed. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) was recently introduced in Japan. Excellent results are expected. PRFA was conducted on 244 tumor nodules found in 177 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (a total of 349 procedures), and the usefulness was examined. 1. Tumor markers significantly decreased after PRFA and a favorable necrotic effect was obtained on CT images. 2. Mild post-operative inflammatory reaction and exacerbation of liver dysfunction was noted, but recovery was achieved in one week. There were no major complications. 3. The cumulative local recurrence in 1 year was 5.4%, which is lower than that with percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy. 4. PRFA is a safe and handy procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma, which promises the favorable effect of coagulation necrosis. PRFA will likely become a key method among local ablation therapies.