Radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: technique and preliminary results

Radiofrequency ablation is a therapeutic method more and more applied for unresectable liver tumors; the purpose of this study is to evaluate its advantages and disadvantages. A series of 14 cases with liver tumors was treated by radiofrequency ablation; in 5 cases (35.7%) a hepatic resection was associated. Laboratory data, complications, morbidity, mortality and survival were noted. Mean age was 57.4 years (40-70) for this series consisting of 8 women and 6 men. The mean number of tumors treated per patient was 2.2; the mean total tumoral diameter was 7.2 cm. There were no major technique related complications, nor perioperative mortality. Mean global survival was 507.4 days; one year mean global survival was 64.2% (9 cases) and two years mean global survival was 28.5% (4 cases). We presented the technique of radiofrequency ablation applied for liver tumors and our experience because it is less known and used in our country and there is a tendency to treat liver tumors by this mean.