Risk factors of delay in restoration of hepatic reserve capacity and local recurrence after radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

BACKGROUND:: Effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on hepatic reserve capacity have not been evaluated thoroughly thus far. The aim of our study is to evaluate the factors that influence to hepatic reserve capacity and local recurrence after RFA. PATIENTS AND METHODS:: We studied a total of 243 patients (310 nodules). The study parameters included rates of local recurrence after undergoing RFA as well as factors for delaying recovery of post-RFA albumin levels (age, gender, the presence and absence of anti-HCV antibody, platelet count, GPT level, prothrombin time (PT), Child-Pugh grade, pre-RFA albumin level, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, the number of nodules, tumor size in diameter, hepatic blood control and the coagulation volume after undergoing RFA. RESULTS:: Rates of local recurrence were 6.5%, 10.4% and 12.0% at 1, 2 and 3 years after undergoing RFA, respectively. In the hepatic reserve capacity studies, it took 1.9 and 5.8 months for 50% and 80% of cases, respectively, to restore serum albumin levels to pre-treatment levels after undergoing RFA. There were significant differences in the time of delay in restoration of serum albumin levels with regard to two factors: patients' age >/=60 years (p=0.0351) and tumor size over 3.5cm in diameter (p<0.001). CONCLUSION:: We cosidered that RFA is a safe and efficacious modality, but thorough attention was necessary for such patients with tumor size over 3.5cm in diameter before undergoing RFA, especially in elderly patients.