Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation Guided by Contrastenhanced Ultrasound in Treatment of Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation

This study evaluated the advantages and applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-supportedpercutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma after livertransplantation, based on clinical details. CEUS-supported percutaneous RFA was adopted to treat 12 patientswith hepatic metastatic carcinomas after liver transplantation. The diameters of the metastatic carcinomas variedfrom 1 cm to 5 cm, and the foci were discovered after 3 months to 12 months. Each focus was diagnosed andlocalised by CEUS for RFA once or twice. Curative effects were evaluated by CEUS or contrast-enhanced CTafter the treatment. The re-examination results at 2 weeks post-treatment showed that the foci of 11 patients wereablated completely, whereas one patient with the largest focus required retreatment by RFA because of a partialresidue. No local recurrence was found one month later in the re-examination. CEUS-supported percutaneousRFA in the treatment of hepatic metastatic carcinoma after liver transplantation has the advantages of accuratelocalisation, good efficacy, easy operation, and minimal invasion without any complications. Therefore, it canbe recommended as the preferred therapy for hepatic metastatic carcinoma after liver transplantation.