Comparison open liver resection and RFA on the treatment of solitary 3-5cm hepatocellular carcinoma
Abstract Aim The goal of this study is to compare the postoperative results of liver resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (3-5cm). Patients and methods We retrospectively collected 122 patients with small solitary HCC treated at our center, with diameters in the range of 3-5cm. According to the treatment program received at our center, they are divided into the liver resection group (72 cases) and the RFA group (50 cases). Result In comparison with the RFA group, the resection group requires a longer operative time, and the intra-operative blood loss is more (P<0.01); there is also more hepatic inflow occlusion, and the postoperative days of hospital stay are significantly longer (P<0.01). The 1-, 3-, and 5- year expected overall survival rates and tumor-free survival rates are comparable between two groups. Cox regression analysis showed that resection or RFA was not a significant risk factor for overall or tumor-free survival for HCC. Conclusions For solitary HCC of 3-5cm, RFA can achieve better hospital clinical results and similar long-term outcome, and RFA can be considered for wide application especially for central cases.