Abstract:
Objective This study aims to explore the treatment effect and relevant complications of microwave ablation (MWA) therapy on malignant liver tumors.
Methods MWA was conducted in 208 liver tumor patients (241 surgical procedures). Among the total number of cases, MWA was conducted in 171 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients suffering from 301 tumors (average, 1.5 tumors; 198 procedures). The largest tumor diameter was 2.9 ~ 1.3 cm. Among the 171 HCC patients, 57 were subjected to MWA combined with hepatectomy. MWA was conducted in 37 metastatic liver cancer (MLC) cases suffering from 67 tumors (average, 1.6 tumors; 43 procedures). The largest tumor diameter was 2.6±1.5 cm. All patients were treated with MWA via percutaneous or open surgery.
Results Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed 1 month after MWA. The complete ablation rate for HCC and MLC was 94.7% (285/301) and 92.5% (62/67), respectively. The patients were followed-up for 3 months to 43 months. The local recurrence rate of tumors was 8.4% (24/285), and the one-, two-, and three-year survival rates were 89.0%, 74.2%, and 53.6%, respectively. The one-, two-, and three-year survival rates of the patients who underwent MWA plus hepatectomy were 81.3%, 66.4%, and 46.7%, respectively. The local recurrence rate of tumors was 9.7% (6/67), and the median survival time for the MLC patients ranged between 17 and 23 months. The rate of severe complications for the HCC patients undergoing MWA was 2.5% (5/198). Severe complications did not occur in the MLC patients.
Conclusion Treating malignant liver tumors through MWA is safe, effective, and less invasive. The clinical value is significant.