Microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-center experience and outcomes

Microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), offering a promising alternative for patients ineligible for surgical resection. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of MWA in a single-center cohort, focusing on treatment success, recurrence rates, and long-term survival.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided MWA for HCC between January 2019 and December 2023. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and procedural outcomes were assessed. Treatment success was defined as complete ablation confirmed by contrast-enhanced imaging one month post-procedure. Local tumor progression (LTP) and recurrence rates were evaluated during follow-up. Survival outcomes were analyzed based on follow-up data, considering overall survival and recurrence-free survival rate.

A total of 71 tumors were treated in 54 patients. Complete ablation was achieved in 91.5% of tumors following the initial or secondary procedure. LTP was observed in 16.6% of patients during follow-up. No major complications were reported. The median follow-up period was 36 months, and survival outcomes were comparable to those reported for other ablative techniques. No statistically significant correlation was found between tumor size and ablation success (p>0.05).

MWA is an effective and safe treatment modality for HCC, demonstrating high technical success and acceptable recurrence rates. These findings support the continued integration of MWA in multidisciplinary HCC management, particularly for patients ineligible for surgery. Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is needed to optimize patient selection and refine ablation strategies.