Comparison with other local treatment methods

Other methods to treat liver cancer locally include cryotherapy and local liver chemotherapy, that is, chemoembolization of the liver.

Cryotherapy applies cold instead of heat, causing water in cells to freeze. The ice ruptures cell membranes and the tumor is destroyed. Cryotherapy traditionally has a higher complication rate (bleeding and infection) compared to RFA. Hospital stays also tend to be longer, and the failure rate is higher.

Chemoembolization of the liver is a kind of localization of a general treatment. A drug is applied to a blood vessel directly supplying the liver or a part of the liver. We recommend chemoembolization not as an alternative to radiofrequency ablation, but rather as an additional treatment option.

Note: Surgical resection of liver tumors is a potential curative treatment and should be undertaken whenever possible. Radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors is only applied if the tumors are not resectable. That's why liver resection is not discussed here.

Comparison of different ways to apply radiofrequency ablation

Beside the laparoscopic approach, radiofrequency ablation can also be performed as a traditional open procedure or with no surgery at all -as a percutaneous procedure.

The percutaneous approach

If radiofrequency ablation is done percutaneously, the liver tumors are detected with ultrasound through the skin or CT scans. The needle is inserted into the liver accordingly. This is not considered surgery, in fact this procedure is often done by radiologists.

The laparoscopic approach achieves the following benefits:

1. Diagnostic laparoscopy allows for better evaluation of potential cancer spread within the abdominal cavity outside the liver.
2. Laparoscopic ultrasound can be performed, allowing for detection of additional areas of cancer within the liver, as well as lymph node involvement outside the liver.
3. Most importantly, lesions are ablated under direct videoscopic as well as ultrasonographic guidance, thus making the procedure more precise with less risk to the diaphragm and adjacent viscera.

The open approach

Radiofrequency ablation can be performed after an incision through the abdomen. The liver is exposed directly to the surgeon's eyes. Ultrasound and needle placement are performed directly.

The laparoscopic approach achieves the following benefits:

1. The surgical impact on a patient is reduced, allowing earlier recovery and discharge from hospital

If you think RF ablation could be a treatment option for you or your relative, please contact us so that your case can be reviewed.

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