Combined minimally invasive treatment of liver and bile ducts malignancies

Abstract

Aim. To analyze radiofrequency ablation per se and in combination with other X-ray surgical procedures in patients with liver and bile ducts malignancies. Material and methods. Radiofrequency ablation was used in three groups: percutaneous intervention or in combination with liver resection – group 1 (n = 111); ablation combined with intra-arterial chemoembolization (n = 3) – group 2; RFA followed by right portal vein embolization (RALPPES) in order to induce liver hypertrophy to enable liver resection – group 3 (n = 20). Results. There were no recurrences after radiofrequency ablation. Two-year survival was 55% in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis.Colorectal cancer metastases were followed by 4-year survival near 55%. RFA combined with intra-arterial chemoembolization were associated with complete tumor destruction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma over 4–5 cm and stabilization in patients with progressive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Liver hypertrophy was over 50% in two weeks after RALPPES that enables liver resection in 95% of patients. Symptoms of liver failure after hemihepatectomy were not observed in any patients. Conclusion. Combination of interventional methods is able to improve outcomes in patients with liver and bile ducts malignancies.