Journal of Liver Cancer

Min Woo Lee

4 Articles

New Techniques of Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Min Woo Lee; J Liver Cancer. 2014;14(2):89-96. Published online September 30, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.14.2.89

Abstract PDF: In Korea, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most widely used under ultrasonography (US) guidance. With the technical development, small HCCs in challenging locations can be ablated effectively. Both fusion imaging and contrast-enhanced US is useful for identifying small inconspicuous HCCs on conventional US, thereby enable us to conduct successful RFA. Artificial ascites can enhance ultrasonic window and is helpful in avoiding thermal injury to the surrounding organs. Laparoscopy is also useful for guidance of RFA for subcapsular HCCs which are difficult to approach percutaneously. (J Liver Cancer 2014;14:89-96)

Can Radiofrequency Ablation Replace Surgical Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma?: Min Woo Lee; Journal of the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group. 2012;12(2):109-112. Published online September 30, 2012

Abstract PDF: According to updated BCLC guideline, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is now accepted as a standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) smaller than 2 cm in diameter in patients who are not considered for liver transplantation. This is because of acceptable local tumor control and survival gain of RFA for small HCCs compared to those of surgical resection. However, for RFA to be a standard treatment of small HCCs, not only expertise of operator but also optimal guiding and ablation techniques such as fusion imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, artificial ascites, and switching monopolar RFA using multiple electrodes are necessary. Since RFA and surgical resection are equally effective for very early stage HCC; tumor location (i.e., central vs. peripheral location, proximity to central bile duct) and individual condition of patients should be taken into consideration for choosing appropriate treatment. Microwave ablation, which is an emerging thermal ablation technique, is expected to play a key role in the local ablation therapy of small HCCs in the near future. However, more evidence and data is required to verify the efficacy of microwave ablation for the treatment of small HCCs.

Technical Advances in Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Dongil Choi, Hyunchul Rhim, Min Woo Lee; Journal of the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group. 2012;12(1):14-15. Published online February 28, 2012

Abstract PDF: Lots of recent technical advances in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have introduced. First, contrast-enhanced ultrasound can help to detect the index tumors, residual tumor, and local recurrence. After contrast-enhanced ultrasound for subtle small tumors, we can perform RFA with high confidence. The use of artificial ascites in RFA is a simple and useful technique to minimize collateral thermal injury and to improve the sonic window. Fusion imaging between US and CT or MR during RFA is useful since US can provide real-time imaging and CT or MR provides high quality images with good contrast and spatial resolution. RFA can be performed with fluoroscopy guidance to lipiodol retention tumors.

Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Transarterial Chemoembolization and Consecutive Radiofrequency Ablation: Byung Kook Kim, So Young Kwon, Soon-Young Ko, Won Hyeok Choe, Chang Hong Lee, Min Woo Lee, Young Jun Kim, Sang Woo Park; Journal of the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group. 2008;8(1):115-119. Published online June 30, 2008

Abstract PDF: Surgical resection has been considered to be the best treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported to be more effective than other local ablation treatments and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in achieving complete tumor necrosis. Recently, combined chemoembolization and RFA may improve both overall and recurrence-free survival rates in patients with early stage HCC. RFA have not been applied in cases of that tumors were non-visualization on ultrasonography, and located near by large vessels, main bile ducts, and major extra-hepatic organs. we found that tumor, which was not shown on ultrasonography before TACE, can be visible for several days just after TACE. We report the clinical course and complete necrosis of tumor in two cases of small HCC by TACE and consecutive RFA within a few days.