The present condition of radiofrequency ablation: A retreospective multicenter study(38 institutions)

Abstract

This study was undertaken to obtain the information about the present condition of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma. The data of 2614 patients, who underwent RFA between January 1999 and May 2002, were gathered and analyzed in this study. RFA was performed percutaneously in 2542, raparoscopically in 23 and operatively in 49 patients. The complication rate was 7.8% (204 patients). Most popular complications were pleural effusion, ascites, biliary injury, portal thrombus, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, burn of the abdominal wall and liver abscess. The mortality rate was 0.3% (9 patients). The complication rate and mortality rate were lower in institutions which have some device for safe and accurate treatment or have much experience in RFA.