Initial experience with radiofrequency ablation for hepatic tumours in the Netherlands

Aims: The aim of this study is to report initial experience with radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) of malignant hepatic tumours. Methods: From June 1999 to November 2001, a seven centre study of 50 patients who had undergone RFA, included 102 primary or metastatic tumours. Multimodality therapy, complications, disease free survival and location of recurrence were recorded. Histopathologic examination was performed in a number of tumours treated with RFA and subsequently resected to determine the effect of RFA on the tissue level. Results: 11 tumours (seven patients) were resected after prior treatment with RFA; NADH-diaphorase staining in all these tumours demonstrated non-viable tumour. Postoperative morbidity and mortality occurred in 14 patients and one patient, respectively, in three cases related to the RFA procedure. Median follow-up of 41 patients with non-resected RF ablated tumours was 11 months (range 1–24 months). 26 patients developed a recurrence of which three at the RFA site after 6–12 months. Conclusions: RFA provides a simple method for local treatment of liver tumours. The introduction of this technique nevertheless involves morbidity and mortality.