OBJECTIVETo explore and evaluate the effect of radio frequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of hepatic VX(2) tumor in rabbits.

METHODSThe hepatoma was treated with RFA in rabbits. The complete necrotic rate of the tumors, pathological changes, CT images and the animals' survival time were observed.

RESULTS(1) ALT in serum increased significantly on the first day and decreased to the control level during 4th-7th day following RFA. (2) On the second week, CT scans showed that complete necrotic foci became larger, and the density of which was asymmetrical. Enhanced CT scans showed no obvious intensification inside; however, ringed intensification appeared along edges of the foci. Biopsy showed that the dark necrotic tissue was surrounded by ringed granulation tissue. Incomplete necrotic tumor foci resembled the complete necrotic foci in no enhanced CT images; however, asymmetrical intensification was observed in enhanced CT scans in the incomplete necrotic foci. Macroscopic observation showed irregular tumor tissue between the necrotic tissue and the peripheral normal tissue. Biopsy showed tumor recurrence in it. (3) Compared with the control, survival time of the animals was longer, and metastases rate in lungs and the fatality rate were lower in the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONSRFA, with little injury, is an effective method in the treatment of hepatoma. Enhanced CT scans are consistent with pathological morphometrics of the tumor foci after RFA. The enhanced CT scan is a valuable check-up, which could be used to observe the therapeutic effect after RFA.