Thoracoscopic Thermal Ablation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located Beneath the Diaphragm

Abstract

This preliminary study suggests that the new technique of thoracoscopic thermal ablation therapy is a less invasive optional therapy for HCC located in segments VII or VIII in cirrhotic patients.

Transthoracic hepatic radiofrequency ablation

“…Yamashita et al [8] delivered thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic microwave coagulation for primary and secondary hepatic tumors to six patients with no perioperative complications and no recurrence after a median follow-up of 17 months. Ishikawa et al [4] performed thoracoscopic RFA for nine patients with similar good results. These reports suggest that thoracoscopic ablation is technically feasible and safe.…”

Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors

“…Some authors consider that for lesions located beneath the diaphragm laparoscopic approach can be associated [13] or even replaced with the thoracoscopic one [14,15].…”

Principles and Application of RF System for Hyperthermia Therapy

“…Microwave irradiation is carried out for about 60 seconds at a power setting of 60W per pulse. During irradiation, the ultrasonographic probe is placed adjacent to the microwave electrode to monitor the effectiveness of the tumour coagulation [11], [12]. A typical microwave generator costs approximately $65,000 [13].…”