Surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma: single center experience
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to prove or disprove the superiority of surgical resections over radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with respect to efficacy and safety.
Methods: The study was conducted in Zagazig University Hospitals, which included 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during the period from November 2011 to December 2014, using either liver resection or RFA.
Results: Hepatic resection was done in 20 patients (13 males, 7 females). Interventional RFA was done in 20 patients (12 males, 8 females). There was no in-hospital mortality after resection. One- and two-year survival rates were 85% and 70% respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality after RFA. One- and two-year survival rates were 80% and 65% respectively.
Conclusion: Surgical resection is preferred over RFA in HCC-liver cirrhosis Child A patients with tumor sizes ≥ 3 cm. HCC-liver cirrhosis Child A patients with masses < 3 cm have almost the same results with both surgery and RFA. But in special cases such as central position lesions, RFA is preferred over resection. Also the decision for management may be changed according to patients well. Surgical resection 1- and 2-year survival rates were better than those treated with RFA.
Keywords
Introduction
Hepatic resection (HR) forms part of the conventional treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).[1] Size, site, number of tumors, vascular and extra-hepatic involvement as well as liver function respresent some aspects that prompt surgical resection difficulties. Accordingly, the majority of primary liver cancers are not suitable for curative resection at the time of diagnosis.[2,3] Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recommended for HCC nodules with a maximum diameter of 3 cm in patients with no more than three tumors that are contraindicated for surgery.[4]
Methods
The patients were diagnosed through history taking, complete physical examination, laboratory investigations [complete blood count, coagulation profile, liver function test, kidney function test and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)], and radiological investigations [abdominal ultrasonography and triphasic computerized tomography (CT)]. They were categorized into two groups. Group A: 20 patients for whom HR was done (according to the size, site and number of tumors); Group B: 20 patients for whom RFA was done using percutaneous ultrasonography.
Inclusion criteria
Patients with or without liver cirrhosis. Patients with Child A and B (Child-Pugh classification). Patients with or without hepatitis B or C infection. Patients who have HCCs diagnosed by triphasic CT ± elevated AFP.
Exclusion criteria
Patients with Child C liver disease. Patients with HCC tumors outside of the Milan criteria and are not candidates for RFA (central lesion near common bile duct, lesion adherent to bowel loop, lesion not accessible and lesion exophytic). Patients with HCC metastasis.
Follow-up
The patients in both groups were followed up for 2 years and we then compared the two groups with regards to operative mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, and 1- and 2-year overall states. The results and the recurrence were measured by the changes in AFP levels, abdominal ultrasound, and triphasic CT scan after 1 month then every 3 months in the 1st year and subsequently every 6 months for the 2nd year.
Surgical resection
Group A: From November 2011 to December 2014, 20 consecutive patients with HCC (13 males, 7 females; average age: 53.4 years; range: 45-62 years) underwent HR at Zagazig University Hospitals, Surgical Department. All resections were considered radical (tumor-free resection margins confirmed by pathology) [Figures 1-3].
Figure 1. Right liver lobe hepatocellular carcinoma resection. (a) Intra operative identification of the mass; (b) liver bed after resection of the mass; (c) opening of the mass after excision
Figure 2. Caudate lobe liver resection. (a) Triphasic computerized tomography identification of caudate lobe mass; (b) intraoperative identification of caudate lobe mass; (c) opening of the mass after excision
Figure 3. Left liver lobe hepatocellular carcinoma resection. (a) Triphasic computerized tomography identification of left lobe mass (left lateral segment); (b) liver bed after resection of the mass; (c) opening of the mass after excision
Patients prepared preoperatively by using central line and epidural catheters a day before surgery. Packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were prepared according to patient labs.
Incision used was usually L-shaped, rarely we needed to conduct bilateral subcostal with midline incisions. Before we started, we usually assessed the operability via feeling of the mass, searching for other masses and searching for enlarged lymph nodes. Complete mobilization was the first step. Identification of the hilar structures is the second step. Even if we were not going to do typical hepatectomies and this for control of possible bleeding. During operation we used a harmonic scalpel for parenchyma dissection. We were ready to conduct the Pringle maneuver, but only used it when needed. Meticulous haemostasis was maintained as usual and bile leakage was avoided. Tube drains were only inserted in susceptible patients.
Post-operative management
Five patients were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and were under observation until patients became stable. A naso-gasteric tube was left for 24 h. Patients started oral fluids when intestinal sounds became audible, and gradually returned to a normal diet. Ambulance was started as early as possible. Drains were removed when below 100 mL (usually the 4th day). Hospital stay keep as short as possible to avoid hospital acquired infection, ranging from 5 days to 7 days.
In the same period, 20 consecutive patients with HCC (12 males, 8 females; average age: 54.3 years; range: 48-66 years) underwent percutaneous RFA at Zagazig University Hospitals, Interventional Radiology Department [Figure 4].
Figure 4. (a) Arterial contrast enhanced triphasic computerized tomography shows right lobe (segment 6) hepatocellular carcinoma about 16 mm × 14 mm; (b) arterial phase 1 month after RFA; (c) arterial phase 3 months after RFA; (d) arterial phase 9 months after RFA. In b, c and d, no enhancement of the ablated right lobe. Significant decrease in mass size is noted. RFA: radiofrequency ablation
Thirteen of them were treated using the Radionics cool tip needle (4 ablated by the single probe and 8 by the cluster probe). Seven patients were treated using the Rita needle with expandable hooks. Fifteen patients were treated with a single electrode insertion, 4 with double insertions and in one case, by three insertions. Only 1 patient received a second session of RFA due to a residual tumor detected by the 1-month follow-up triphasic CT study.
Local anesthesia was performed on the entry site of the skin to the liver capsule along the needle track with 10 mL of 2% xylocaine. Most of the patients undergoing RFA were treated under general intravenous (IV) anesthesia.
The objective in treating the tumors was to ablate the entire tumor and an at least 1 cm tumor-free margin of normal liver. The deepest ablations were performed before the superficial ones to minimize the possibility of micro bubbles that might obscure visualization of the deepest portions of the tumor and thus prevent complete ablation. In our cases, we ablated the tract before removal of the needle.
Post-ablation care
IV antiemetic was given. Strong IV analgesics were given to control pain. All patients were observed clinically for 2-3 h in the Radiology Department to detect any acute complications (like bleeding, shock and injury to other organs) and to start IV fluid. Prophylactic antibiotics were started and continued for 3 days.
Results
Sociodemographic characteristics of patients
We compared tumor characteristics in the two different treatment groups (Child-Pugh score, tumor number, tumor diameter and AFP levels), as shown in Table 1.
Tumors characteristics in the two different treatment groups
Underlying cirrhosis | Group A | Group B |
---|---|---|
HR (n = 20) (%) | RFA (n = 20) (%) | |
Child-Pugh score | ||
A | 17 (85) | 12 (60) |
B | 3 (15) | 8 (40) |
Number of tumors | ||
Single | 18 (90) | 13 (65) |
Multinodular | 2 (10) | 7 (35) |
Tumor diameter maximum 7.5 cm | ||
≤ 3 cm | 5 (25) | 4 (20) |
> 3 cm | 15 (75) | 16 (80) |
AFP levels (ng/mL) | ||
≤ 20 | 3 (15) | 2 (10) |
> 20 | 17 (85) | 18 (90) |
Group A: Resection
A total of 20 consecutive patients with HCC (13 males, 7 females; average age: 53.4 years; range: 45-62 years) underwent HR. The etiology of the patients’ underlying liver disease were characterized by 20 patients with chronic hepatitis (hepatitis B: 3; hepatitis C: 14; hepatitis B + C: 3). On the other hand, 17 had Child A and 3 had Child B, according to the Child-Pugh scoring system.
Group B: Radiofrequency ablation
A total of 20 consecutive patients with HCC (12 males, 8 females; average age: 54.3 years; range: 48-66 years) underwent RFA interventional in the Radiology Department. The etiology of the patients’ underlying liver disease was characterized by 20 patients with chronic hepatitis (hepatitis B: 4; hepatitis C: 14; hepatitis B + C: 2). Of these patients, 12 had Child A and 8 Child B.
Treatment mortality and morbidity
We found the difference in overall survival in the two different treatment groups regarding child type as shown in Table 2.
Overall survival by patient and child type in the two different treatment groups
1 year (%) | 2 years (%) | |
---|---|---|
Total patients | ||
HR (n = 20) | 17 (85) | 14 (70) |
RFA (n = 20) | 16 (80) | 13 (65) |
Child A | ||
HR (n = 17) | 15 (75) | 13 (65) |
RFA (n = 12) | 10 (50) | 9 (45) |
Child B | ||
HR (n = 3) | 2 (10) | 1 (0.5) |
RFA (n = 8) | 6 (30) | 4 (20) |
Group A: Resection
There was no operative mortality (within 30 days of surgery) after resection; mean hospital stay was 6 days. One- and two-year survivals were 85% (17) and 70% (14) respectively.
Post-resection complications varied greatly. Wound infection (seroma) occured in 4 patients and were managed conser vatively via repeated dressing and antibiotic administration according to the culture obtained from the wound. Incisional hernia occured in 2 patients. Hernioplasty was performed in one of them while the other one refused. Chest complications were the most common complications, big incision and severe pain limits respiration, leading to retained secretions and chest infections. Chest complications occured in 8 patients. Ascitis occured in 3 patients and were managed medically. One patient developed recurrence after 18 months (this patient was managed by RFA but was excluded from our results, as RFA was done after finishing the study).
Group B: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation
There was no in-hospital mortality after RFA; the mean hospital stay ranged from 4 h to 24 h with a mean of 7 h. One- and two-year survival was respectively, 80% (16) and 65% (13).
Pain after procedures was present in all patients (mild to moderate pain presented in 16 patients which was managed using analgesia. Severe pain presented in 4 patients and was managed using sedation). Pain lasted for 24-72 h in most patients. Delayed pain occurred in 2 patients lasting for 1 week. This was attributed to the proximity of the ablated lesions to the diaphragm. Pain occurred either isolated or as a part of the post-ablation syndrome that occurred in 12 patients with flu-like manifestations including low-grade fever, pain, malaise, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting.
One case developed a new lesion detected 4 months post-procedure at the follow-up triphasic CT study managed by a second session.
Cholecystitis developed in 1 patient with a segment 5 nodule adjacent to the gall bladder wall. Bile duct injury developed in another patient 1 month post-procedure.
Discussion
HCC accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death. It is the fifth most prevalent cancer in men and the seventh in women.[5,6] The prognosis for untreated HCC is generally poor. Curative treatment consists of surgical resection, RFA, and liver transplantation.[7]
Management of cirrhotic HCC involves several specialties.[8] To correctly select candidates for resection, it is essential to consider not only the tumor characteristics, but also the accurate estimate of liver function with the aid of imaging. The risk of incorrect staging of associated cirrhosis may result in post-operative liver failure, followed by chronic decompensated cirrhosis.[9]
The high mortality and morbidity associated with chronic liver disease limits liver resection in cirrhotic patients.[10] Liver transplantation is the choice of treatment, with the best results in terms of long-term survival, but this option is feasible in a small number of patients because of the shortage of donors.[11] However, current progresses in liver resection techniques and in post-operative follow-up have improved the resection results in terms of operative risk and long-term survival.[9,12]
Indications for resection depend on the size, number and location of lesions as well as the estimation of remnant liver volume (RLV). The best candidates are patients with a single peripheral lesion, which permits the preservation of more than 50% of RLV.[13]
Tumor location is an essential assessment parameter. With regard to peripheral lesions, no matter how bulky the mass is, resection may be performed with a curative intent and anatomically, without compromising a large parenchymal volume.[14] In contrast, a small central lesion (< 3 cm) may require the sacrifice of a significantly great parenchymal volume, with risk of post-operative liver failure, so RFA is preferable if possible.[15]
Surgical resection of HCC remains the gold standard. Unfortunately, its usefulness has been limited by many factors, including tumor multiplicity and poor hepatic reserve to tolerate surgery. Other techniques (e.g. percutaneous ethanol injection, microwave, RFA, and brachytherapy) may be effective and feasible in the treatment of HCC patients who are not suitable for resection.[16] Among these, RFA may be beneficial to more patients than the others because of its large coagulated necrosis, fewer treatment sessions, and higher survival rates.[17-20] Rare studies have evaluated the results of treatment with RFA, by comparing it to liver resection.[21-23]
There was no in-hospital mortality after resection. One- and two-year survivals were 85% and 70% respectively in our series. There was no in-hospital mortality after RFA. One- and two-year survival was 80% and 65%, respectively. This finding agreed with Parisi et al.[16] who concluded that surgical resection improved the overall survival and recurrence-free survival in comparison with RFA.
Our results regarding masses < 3 cm matched with other results of Nishikawa et al.[24] who found that in patients with HCCs < 3 cm, there was no significant difference between the two treatment groups in terms of overall survival. They concluded that RFA was as effective as resection in the treatment of single and small HCC, and was less invasive than surgery. Chen et al.[25] suggests that RFA and surgery have similar results in terms of overall survival and RFS for single HCCs < 5 cm. Abu-Hilal et al.[21] showed that RFA should be considered as an acceptable alternative when surgery was not possible in small unifocal HCCs. Therefore, RFA could be the first choice of treatment for single and small HCC.
However, regarding masses more than 3 cm, our results agree with Huang et al.[22] who reported that in treating Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients with a solitary HCC larger than 3 cm but < 5 cm, or with two or three lesions each < 5 cm, surgical resection provided a better survival than RFA.
RFA has some advantages compared with resection such as: Being less invasive, having a relatively rapid recovery period, and short hospital stay. But it also has shortcomings, such as more frequent local recurrence after treatment than resection.[26,27]
Furthermore, the resection group indicated higher incidences of complications compared with RFA. In addition, resection has weaknesses such as a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery period after operation. Our finding was in agreement with the study of Park et al.[28] and Bruix et al.[29]
The study is based on a limited number of patients, however, our number are near other studies.[30,31] Follow-ups were extremely difficult. Usually, when the patient feels improvement; he/she stops visiting our outpatient clinic for follow-ups.
In conclusion, surgical resection is preferred over RFA for HCC-liver cirrhosis Child A patients with tumor sizes ≥ 3 cm. HCC-liver cirrhosis Child A patients with masses < 3 cm have almost the same results as both surgery and RFA. But in special cases such as central position lesions, RFA is preferred over resection. Also the decision for management may be changed according to patients well. Surgical resection 1- and 2-year survival rates were better than those treated with RFA.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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Cite This Article
How to Cite
Mansy, W.; Mohammed, M.; Saber, S. Surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma: single center experience. Hepatoma. Res. 2016, 2, 92-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/2394-5079.169642
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