Comparative Study of Cool Tip RFA and Expandable RFA in Ablation of HCC, SHERIF HAMDY, MOHAMAD MAHMOUD, AHMAD SAMY and MOHAMAD HAMED
Abstract
Background and Study Aims: Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world (564 000 cases per year) and the third most frequent cause of cancer-related death, Several reports have indicated that RF ablation is effective for the local control of small HCC nodules, in this study we aimed to prospectively compare the effectiveness of RF ablation performed by using the internally cooled electrode and the expandable electrode for the treatment of small HCC nodules.
Patients and Methods: It included 40 patients suffering from HCC (44 focal hepatic lesions) proved by either Coin-cident finding by US and typical enhancement in triphasic CT or FNAC in non-revealing cases, they were randomly allocated to undergo RF ablation with an internally cooled electrode (Radionics) group I or with an expandable electrode (Radiotherapeutics 3000) group II, 20 patients in each group.
Results: Complete ablation was detected in 86% and 82% of group I & II respectively, the difference was not statistically significant. There was no procedure related mortalities. There was no significant difference between both groups as regards follow up and survival (p value = 0.94).
In conclusion: Both RFA devices are safe and effective methods in ablation of HCC in minimally invasive way.