Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for the treatment of liver metastases

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) for treatment of liver metastases. Methods Thirty eight patients with 78 liver metastases were treated with MWA. All the patients underwent contrast-enhanced US, contrast-enhanced CT or MRI beginning one month after MWA and continuing every 3~6 months thereafter. Results Complete ablation was achieved in 73 (93.6%) of 78 nodules. Local recurrence was observed in 5 of the 73 nodules (6.8%) treated successfully. No major complications occurred. The 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rates after the first ablation were 78.7%, 53.6%, 42.2%. Conclusion MWA is a safe and effective method for patients with liver metastases. Key words: Microwave ablation; Liver cancer; Neoplasm metastasis; Ultrasonography