MICROWAVE COAGULONECROTIC THERAPY FOR HEPATOCELLULAR-CARCINOMA

The present study reports on the usefulness of microwave coagulonecrot ic therapy (MCT) as a treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (H CC) with poor hepatic reserve. From June 1992 to March 1995, MCT using a microwave electrode was employed on 8 patients using laparoscopic c ontrol and 19 with the open method, and wedge resection (Hx) was appli ed to the 23 patients. All patients had HCC with poor hepatic reserve. Radiation output was 100 watts with a mean radiation duration of abou t 30 minutes. The severity of liver dysfunction and the regional chara cteristics of the tumor (tumor size, multiplicity, portal invasion, tu mor depth) were comparable between the MCT and Hx groups. The operativ e time was significantly shorter for the MCT group than the Hx group. The mean blood loss was 1570 ml in the Hx group but negligible in the MCT group. There was no operative mortality in the MCT group in contra st to 4.3% (1 of 23) in the Hx group. Complications were observed in 1 1.1% (3 of 37) and 34.8% (8 of 23), respectively. For the MCT and Hx g roups. The postoperative total bilirubin had lower values and the star t of diet was earlier in the MCT group than the Hx group. The 3-year c rude and disease-free survival rates were 86% and 44%, respectively, f or patients who underwent, MCT which were comparable to 75% and 14% fo r those with Hx MCT can achieve long-term results equivalent to those obtained by sedge resections, but it is less invasive and technically easier. Therefore it can be an alternative option in place of limited resection for HCC with poor hepatic reserve.