Hypertonic Saline Enhanced Radiofrequency Versus Chemoembolization Sequential Radiofrequency In Medium And Large Sized Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

This study was conducted from May 2008 to December 2010 on 40 patients having nodular hepatocellular carcinoma ≥ 3cm up to 7 cm. Patients were randomized into two groups (20 patients each); 1. Group (1): hypertonic saline (3%) enhanced radiofrequency group. 2. Group (2): chemoembolization sequential radiofrequency group. Chemoembolization was performed lipiodol, adriamycin or cisplatin with gel foam. Radiofrequency was performed within two weeks after chemoembolization • The mean age of the first group was 50.60 ± 3.98 and the mean age of the second was 53.80 ± 7.37. • Regarding the prevalence of HBV and HCV: In our study the prevalence of HCV Ab positive was (85%) for group (1) and (95%) for group (2). While the prevalence of HBsAg positive was (10%) for the group (1) and (5%) for group (2). Also (5%) of group (1) and (0%) of group (2) were both HCV Ab and HBsAg positive. • In our study, no significant differences were observed between both groups with respect to the following baseline characteristics: patient age and sex; Child-Pugh class; proportions of patients positive for hepatitis C virus antibody and positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. • Regarding abdominal ultrasonography findings, 39 patients (97.5%) in this study had a confident sonographic evidence of liver cirrhosis. • Regarding the diameter of the focal HCC: In our study 21 patients (52.5%) had medium-sized hepatic focal lesion that ranges from 3.1