Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the caudate lobe.
Patients and Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2006, 17 patients (twelve males and five females) who were between 33 and 68years old (mean 54.3), with caudate lobe HCC [2.0-6.5cm in diameter (mean 3.1)] were treated with either PRFA alone (n=14), or PRFA with percutaneous ethanol injection (n=3) under ultrasound guidance. The right or the anterior approach was used in 12 and 5 patients, respectively.
Results: All procedures were performed successfully. There was no mortality and major morbidity due to PRFA. Fourteen tumors (82%) were completely ablated after one to two sessions of treatment. During follow-up (range 3-60, mean 29.1months), two (14%) developed local recurrence. Intrahepatic metastases developed in 9 of 17 patients (53%). No distant metastasis was found. Four patients died (24%), 3 from tumor progression and 1 from hepatic failure. The 1-, 2-, and 4-year overall survivals were 88%, 80%, and 72%, respectively, and the progress free survivals were 47%, 20%, and 10%, respectively.
Conclusions: PRFA is efficacious and safe for patients with HCC in the caudate lobe.