[Evaluation of local coagulation therapy with hepatectomy for liver metastases]

Hepatectomy is accepted as the standard therapy in patients with resectable liver metastases. In recent years, the techniques such as microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) and radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA) have been developed, so we have many options to treat. We evaluated nineteen subjects with cases of liver metastases who underwent thermoablative procedures with or without hepatectomy. RFA and MCT were used in 6 cases and 2 cases, respectively. In other 11 cases, they received a combined therapy: RFA+hepatectomy in 5 cases, and MCT+hepatectomy in 6 cases. Thermoablative therapy was used for 39 metastatic tumors. The mean tumor size was 13.7 mm, and a local recurrence was observed in 8 nodules (21%). No significant differences were observed in DFS and OS between thermoablative therapy and hepatectomy. Many patients with liver metastases received a repeated treatment, so we have to care about the remnant liver function. We conclude that thermoablative therapy with hepatectomy seems to be a less invasive procedure and effective therapy.