Radiofrequency-assisted Versus Traditional Liver Resection For Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

AIM To assess the perioperative effect comparing radiofrequency-assisted liver resection with traditional liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients.METHODS From December 2012 to October 2014, 92 HCC patients were randomly divided into radiofrequency-assisted liver resection(RF+LR) group(n=46) and traditional liver resection(LR) group(n=46).The primary endpoint was intraoperative blood loss and time of portal triad clamp. The secondary endpoints included postoperative liver function, complications, mortality and hospital stays.RESULTS There was significantly less median intraoperative blood loss in the RF+LR group(300 vs. 400 ml, P= 0.049); the time of portal triad clamp was shorter in the RF+LR group than in the LR group(10 vs 15 min, P=0.014).There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative liver function and complications between the two groups. The hospital stays were significantly decreased in the RF+LR group(18.5 vs 22.5d, P=0.002). The two groups had no death.CONCLUSION Radiofrequency-assisted liver resection can reduce intraoperative blood loss, time of portal triad clamp and hospital stays effectively. However, this method should be used with caution in patients with severe cirrhosis.