Microwave ablation versus transcatheter arterial embolization for large hepatic hemangiomas: clinical outcomes

Purpose To evaluate the safety and effect of microwave ablation (MWA) compared with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the treatment of large hepatic hemangiomas. Materials and methods A total of 135 patients with symptomatic or/and enlarging hepatic hemangiomas (5-10 cm) from two centers underwent either MWA (n = 82) or TAE (n = 53) as first-line treatment. We compared the two groups in terms of radiologic response, clinical response, operative time, postoperative analgesic requirements, hospital stay and complications. Results MWA had a significantly higher rate of complete radiologic response (89.0% vs. 37.7%,p<.001) and complete clinical response (88.6% vs. 69.2%,p=.046), fewer minor complications (43.9% vs. 66.0%,p=.019), shorter time of using analgesics (p<.001) and shorter hospital stays (p=.003) than did TAE. The operative time and major complications were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion Both MWA and TAE are safe and effective in treating patients with large hepatic hemangiomas. MWA had a higher rate of complete response than did TAE, and it was associated with fewer minor complications, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.