Percutaneous hot water injection and microwave coagulation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

We compared the usefulness of percutaneous hot water injection and microwave coagulation therapy (PHMCT) and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). We performed PHMCT in 18 patients with HCCs (23 nodules) measuring less than 30 mm in diameter and PMCT in 5 patients with HCCs (7 nodules). After 1 week of treatment, we performed a dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan to examine the maximum area of necrosis. There was significant difference in long and short axes diameter of the necrotic area between the PHMCT group injected hot water with more than 15 ml and the PMCT group. Our findings indicate that PHMCT is an effective treatment for small HCCs.