OBJECTIVETo determine the safety and efficacy of the enhanced radiofrequency ablation (RFA) new technology for treatment of giant hepatic hemangiomas.

METHODSFrom August 2010 to September 2011, 30 patients with giant hepatic hemangiomas (average diameter: 7.7+/-1.9 cm, range: 5.0 to 12.8 cm) were treated with enhanced RFA. The original lesion diameter, enhanced radiofrequency duration, and cases of RFA-induced burning were recorded. Cases requiring a second RFA treatment were also recorded. Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the association of enhanced RFA with adverse events and change in lesion diameter.

RESULTSThe rate of completely destroyed lesions by enhanced RFA was 70.96%, and the total rate of reduced lesions was 87.1%. No severe adverse events occurred. The duration of enhanced radiofrequency correlated positively with the original lesion diameter (r=0.687, P less than 0.01). The enhanced RFA treatment significantly reduced the average lesion diameter (follow-up: 6.2+/-1.8 cm; t=6.417, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe new minimally-invasive technology of enhanced radiofrequency ablation is effective and safe for treating giant hepatic hemangiomas and produces an obvious, short-term curative effect.