Background/aims: Surgical resection is not always feasible for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. We used microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) as an alternative to resection and evaluated its efficacy.
Methodology: Twenty-four patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma underwent microwave coagulation therapy by laparotomy (n=18), laparoscopy (n=4), or thoracoscopy (n=2) because of advanced liver cirrhosis and/or intrahepatic metastases. One nodule was treated in 11 patients, 2 nodules were treated in 7, 3 nodules were treated in 3, 6 nodules were treated in 1, and 7 nodules were treated in 2. Tumor size ranged from 10 to 50 mm. Liver function was analyzed at the time of initial MCT and at treatment for recurrence. Patient outcomes were studied.
Results: Two patients died postoperatively after initial MCT. Other patients showed rapid recovery without hepatic dysfunction. Liver function just before MCT was equivalent to that measured just before treatment for recurrence. One patient developed local recurrence at the margin of the treated tumor. Recurrent nodules in different segments were detected in 15 patients. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed in 13 recurrences, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy was performed in 1 recurrence, and MCT was performed in 1 recurrence. The 3-year cancer-free survival rate was 9.9%, and the 3-year cumulative survival rate was 83.9%.
Conclusions: Because MCT is indicated for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with advanced liver cirrhosis, intrahepatic recurrences are frequent. Since, liver function is preserved after MCT, however, locoregional therapy can be selected when intrahepatic recurrence is detected, thus improving patient survival rate.