1994 Volume 12 Pages 47-53
Intraoperative microwave tissue coagulation (MTC) therapy was applied 8 patients with multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with liver cirrhosis in which radical surgery was impossible. A total of 222 MTC sessions was applied to 21 tumors. MTC was administered for 20 seconds in each session. Microwave energy output was 70 watts for 15-mm needle-electrodes. Alpha-fetoprotein levels in serum had decreased in all cases one month after surgery. Abdominal computed tomography showed no blood flow whatsoever in tumors undergoing MTC. Needle biopsy after MTC confirmed complete necrosis. All patients are alive, the longest one having survived 24 months. We conclude that intraoperative MTC is highly effective in tumor necrosis, and can be an useful local treatment for multiple HCC.
