Microwave Ablation for Liver Malignancy: A Literature Review

Kotewall CN and Cheung TT

Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

^*Correspondance to: Tan To Cheung 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1130

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer, especially in the East. Patients with HCC are unique in that they are usually suffering from two afflictions: cancer and liver cirrhosis. This combination makes the management of their condition challenging. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for HCC patients but for those who are not fit to undergo operation, other options are available. Ablation therapy has emerged as a viable alternative to the open surgery. Radiofrequency ablation has been around for many years and there is ample amount of research to support its use. Microwave ablation is a newer technology with many theoretical advantages. The review article describes the mechanism, equipment, technical advantages and indication of microwave ablation. It also summarizes the findings of different studies which compared the use of microwave with radiofrequency ablation.

Keywords

Microwave ablation; Liver; HCC

Cite the article

Kotewall CN, Cheung TT. Microwave Ablation for Liver Malignancy: A Literature Review. Clin Surg. 2016; 1: 1130.