Long-Term Results of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Unresectable Colorectal Hepatic Metastases: Final Outcomes

Introduction: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PcRFA) provides alternative means of treating patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases. We previously reported our initial experience in 30 patients treated with PcRFA. We present the final long-term results in these 30 patients. Methods: The final outcome of the 30 patients treated with PcRFA is reported, 30 months following the initial results published in 2004. Results: Thirty patients (21 males and 9 females), median age 74.5 (44–85) years, underwent PcRFA for 57 lesions in 60 sessions. The final results in this cohort of patients are reported: 28 dead and 2 lost to follow-up. Median follow-up was 22 (3–53) months. Median size was 31 (8–70) mm. Nineteen lesions required repeat PcRFA. Median ablation time per lesion was 12 (4.5–36) min. Eleven patients received chemotherapy pre-PcRFA and 15 received chemotherapy post-PcRFA. Three patients went on to have limited hepatectomies. Complications occurred in 3 (5%) and median hospital stay was 1 (1–7) day. The median hepatic disease-free survival was 12 (95% CI 6.1–17.9) months and actuarial survival was 23.2 (95% CI 18.5–27.8) months. Conclusion: PcRFA is safe and associated with increased disease-free and overall survival in patients with unresectable colorectal hepatic metastases.