Treatment of hepatic cysts by B-ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation.

Background: The traditional therapy for hepatic cysts has limited success because of recrudescence. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become popular because of its advantages including little damage, therapeutic effect and reduced suffering. This report describes the effects and reliability of RFA in the treatment of 29 patients with hepatic cysts.

Methods: B-ultrasound-guided RFA was used to treat hepatic mono-cyst or multi-cysts of 29 patients (63 tumors). Ablative efficiency and complications were assessed by imaging and clinical symptoms.

Results: The tumors were abated completely in 34 cysts with a diameter <5 cm and no recurrence was seen after 3 months. In 21 cysts with a diameter of 5-10 cm, tumor volume was decreased by over 70%, then reduction and fiberosis were found. In 8 cysts with a diameter greater than 10 cm, tumor volume was decreased by more than 60%, and in 2 cysts it was increased more slightly than that at 1 month after RFA. In subsequent follow-up (6 and 12 months after RFA), tumors <10 cm in diameter were fully ablated. No significant discomfort and complications were found in any patient.

Conclusion: RFA for the treatment of hepatic cysts is safe, and free from complications.