Radiofrequency interstitial thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver cirrhosis : role of the laparoscopic approach

Background: The laparoscopic approach to radiofrequency interstitial thermal ablation (RITA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with intraoperative ultrasound guidance has been proposed with the aim of obtaining additional information for a better neoplastic staging and a complete and effective treatment of the liver lesions in patients with a difficult percutaneous approach. Methods: In this pilot study, 29 patients with HCC in liver cirrhosis were submitted to laparoscopic RITA under sonographic guide. Most of these patients were in Child's A class of liver function. Patients with large tumors (>5 cm), portal vein thrombosis, or severe liver disease (Child's C class) were excluded from the study. Results: The laparoscopic RITA procedure was completed in 27 of 29 patients (93% feasibility rate). The laparoscopic ultrasound examination identified new malignant liver nodules in five patients (18.5%). A total of 44 lesions were treated. The mean operative time was 75.8 ± 20.5 min (range, 45-120 min), and the mean RITA time was 18 ± 10 min (range, 10-56 min). There was no operative mortality, and postoperative morbidity was low (four cases) without any mortality. A complete tumor necrosis was observed in 90% of the patients via spiral computed tomography (CT) 1 month after treatment. Conclusions: Laparoscopic RITA of hepatocellular carcinoma proved to be a safe and effective technique, at least in the short term. Its role in the treatment of HCC needs to be defined in larger series.