Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical value of ultrasound-guided laser thermal ablation (LTA) in the treatment of

small liver cancer at high-risk sites. Methods A total of 73 lesions ablated with LTA in 68 patients with small liver cancer. After

the operation, the rates of complete ablation were compared between patients with lesions of different sizes and at different

sites using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and the complications were recorded during the follow-up. Results The complete

ablation rates for carcinomas ≤1 cm, 1-2 cm, and 2-3 cm were 100%, 86.4%, and 82.7%, respectively, showing no significant

differences among them (P>0.05). The complete ablation rates of lesions were similar between the high-risk and low-risk

groups (85.7% vs 92.1%; P>0.05). The two groups showed no significant difference in the incidence of complications (9.1% vs

5.7%; P>0.05). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided LTAcan be a good option for treatment of small liver cancers at high-risk sites.