Francesca Bolacchi, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Antonio Orlacchio MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Vito Gisone MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Amedeo Taglieri, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Giovanni Simonetti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided laser ablation for hepatocelluar carcinomas (HCCs) that were undetectable at ultrasonography (US).

CT-guided laser ablation was performed using a continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser by a single operator who positioned four 300-microm optic fibers advanced in 21-gauge needles into target lesions under CT guidance. Twenty-six patients with 26 HCCs (diameter range, 2-3 mm) were enrolled in the study. Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated in consensus the presence or absence of local tumor progression as well as the complications at CT performed immediately after laser ablation and at 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-and 24 months follow-up.

The technical success rate of CT-guided laser ablation immediately after laser ablation was 99%. The primary technique effectiveness rates of complete ablation at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after laser ablation were 98% , 95% , 86%, 81 and 79%, respectively. Major complications were observed in 4 of the 26 treatment sessions. In three of these four sessions, pneumothorax developed immediately after laser ablation; the remaining complication was pneumopericardium. Self-limiting pneumothorax was observed in 42% of sessions in which the transpulmonary approach was used. The needles length in the lung was not statistically related to the occurrence of pneumothorax (P = .53).

For HCCs that are undetectable at US, CT-guided laser ablation is effective and relatively safe

For HCCs that are undetectable at US, CT-guided laser ablation is effective and relatively safe

Bolacchi, F, Orlacchio, A, Gisone, V, Taglieri, A, Simonetti, G, CT-guided Laser Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinomas That Were Undetectable at US: Therapeutic Effectiveness and Safety.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9012326.html