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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Application of Laparoscopic Hepatectomy Combined with Intraoperative Microwave Ablation in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis
Published on: March 3, 2023
Ultrasound-guided versus CT-guided microwave ablation for liver metastases reduces complications with comparable
Yezhao Li1, Tianquan Cai2, Zhengfeng Huang2
1Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Minzu Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Affiliated Minzu Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China.
Objective:
Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive therapy for liver metastases. Image guidance, primarily ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT), is critical for precision, but their comparative safety profiles remain debated. This study aims to compare the incidence and severity of complications between US-guided and CT-guided MWA in patients with liver metastases.
Methods:
After propensity score matching (PSM), retrospective analysis of 120 patients (2022-2024) undergoing US-guided (n = 60) or CT-guided (n = 60) MWA at a single tertiary referral center. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system. Statistical analysis included Student's t test, χ2 tests, and logistic regression.
Results:
Major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) occurred in 5% of US-guided vs. 13.3% of CT-guided cases (p = 0.04). US guidance correlated with fewer pneumothoraxes (0% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.02) and reduced radiation exposure (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the 12-month local tumor progression (LTP) rate between the two groups (p = 0.79).
Conclusion:
US-guided MWA demonstrates comparable tumor control to CT guidance with fewer complications and avoids radiation exposure, supporting its preferential use for high-risk patients.
