Risk factors for local recurrence of small hepatocellular carcinoma tumors after a single session,single application of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to clarify risk factors for local tumor recurrence and to determine which patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are most suitable for a single session, single application of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation. METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive patients with 65 HCC tumors measuring 2 cm (risk ratio [RR], 4.9; 95%CI, 1.3-16.4; P = 0.019) and subcapsular location (RR, 5.2; 95%CI, 1.7-16.6; P = 0.005) were associated independently with local recurrence. The other four factors were not associated with local recurrence in this study. CONCLUSIONS: A single session, single application of RF ablation produced favorable local control. Patients who have nonsubcapsular HCC tumors measuring