Can radiofrequency ablation replace surgical resection to treat small liver cancer?

Domestic and foreign studies have shown that for small liver cancers with a diameter of less than 3 cm, the effect of radiofrequency ablation is similar to that of surgical resection. So, can radiofrequency ablation replace surgical resection?

Radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection each have advantages and disadvantages in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection should be selected rationally according to the condition of the disease and their advantages should be brought into play. This is the correct choice.

For small peripheral liver cancers, that is, liver cancers at the edge of the liver, surgical resection is simple and thorough, so surgical resection should be used. However, for small liver cancers in this area, radiofrequency ablation is prone to bleeding complications. For small liver cancers deep in the liver parenchyma, surgical resection requires the removal of a large amount of normal liver to remove the liver cancer. If surgical resection is used, it is not cost-effective. At this time, radiofrequency ablation is safe, less damaging, and has good effects, so radiofrequency ablation should be used for treatment.

In addition, if the liver cirrhosis is severe and the risk of surgical resection is high, radiofrequency ablation is suitable for treatment.