OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility, effect and problems of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) performed for small liver cancer located in hepatis.

METHODSTwenty-one patients, who had small primary or metastatic liver cancer confirmed clinically or pathologically that were located in hepatis and less than 5 cm, were performed PRFA between April 2000 and October 2002. All patients were followed up to examine the value of AFP, MRI or CT. Kaplan-Meier estimation was used for the disease-free survival rate and the long-term survival rate.

RESULTSThe rate of AFP positive down to negative was 77.8% (7/9). The complete necrosis rate was 90.5% (19/21). The peri-tumor recurrence-free survival rates of 0.5-, 1-, 1.5-, 2-year were all 94.7%. The distant recurrence-free survival rates of 0.5-, 1-, 1.5-, 2-year were 90.0%, 77.1%, 77.1% and 77.1% respectively. The whole survival rates of 0.5-, 1-, 1.5- and 2-year were 89.2%, 82.8%, 82.8% and 55.2% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSSmall liver cancer located in hepatis was not the contra-indication of PRFA. If the puncture point and route is selected properly, electrodes outspreaded exactly and the range of heating controlled appropriately, PRFA is an effective method and of less complication rate for small liver cancer located in hepatis. Sometimes, PRFA can be combined with TACE for those tumors of the diameter larger than 3 cm.