Clinical short-term results of radiofrequency ablation in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency tumour ablation in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer who are not suitable for hepatic resection. Patients and methods: Between April 2002 and January 2004, 18 patients underwent open radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal liver metastases. Median lesion size was 5.6 cm (range 3.0-8.0 cm). Patient's follow-up included ultrasound and computed tomography imaging at 3, 6 and 18 months postoperatively. Results: Mean total procedure time was 86 min. The average hospital stay was 5 days. There was no treatment-related mortality. Twelve patients (66.7%) experienced mild right hypochondrium discomfort for 3 days and 6 patients (33.4%) low-grade fever for 4 days. Four patients died within 12 months with extrahepatic disease. In 4 patients lesions increased in size or new lesions developed, 7 patients are alive, symptom-free, with stable disease and 4 patients are free of disease. Conclusions: RFA is a safe, well tolerated procedure for the treatment of unresectable colorectal liver metastases.