Thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma over the last decade

Abstract

Aim: To assess the feasibility and usefulness of thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation (TRFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Background: HCC located below the diaphragmatic dome remains one of the poorly treatable tumors for percutaneous ablation therapy. TRFA has been proposed as a technique of choice for those tumors.
Patients and Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2010, 92 patients who suffered from HCC under the diaphragm were indicated for local ablation therapy. The thoracoscopic approach was required for accurate and safe ablation procedures.
Results: The surgical procedures consisted of thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation with endoscopic ultra-sonography. All patients recovered and were eventually discharged. Postoperative mortality rate was 0%. The overall and disease-free 5-years survival rates of TRFA were 51.9% and 7.1%, respectively.
Conclusion: TRFA is recommended as an effective and feasible treatment for the HCC located under the diaphragm.