To investigate the clinical application and effect of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

The clinical data of 78 patients with HCC treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital to Guangzhou Medical University were collected and retrospectively analyzed from February 2009 to February 2011. The patients were divided into 3 groups, LRFA group (n=32), PRFA group (n=21), and surgery group (n=25). The changes of liver function and AFP in every group were detected before and after the surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of pain release and KPS was used to evaluate the whole function after the operation. Moreover, the complications and the related survival rates of the three groups were observed and analyzed after operations.

(1) ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and AFP of the three groups all decreased apparently three months after the surgery (P<0.05). ALB descended one week after surgery, then rose gradually to normal in one month (P<0.05). TBIL had no statistical difference in each group. (2) The pain degree of group LRFA and PRFA was obviously lower than the surgery group, and had statistical differences (P<0.05). (3) The rate of complications of the LRFA group was lower than the other two groups (P=0.012, 0.007) . The wound infection between open surgery group and LRFA group showed statistical differences (χ²=7.015, P=0.008) . (4) 6 months after the surgery, KPS score in the surgery group was lower, but in the following time, the three groups got similar scores. (5)The intrahepatic recurrence rate, tumor-free survival rate, and overall survival rate of the three groups had no statistical differences 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month after the operation. Survival curve of group LRFA was relatively higher. (6) The average surgery time, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs of the operation group were all much higher in the three groups (P<0.05), while the other two groups had no statistical differences.

LRFA takes advantage of both laparoscope and radiofrequency ablation, and the postoperative liver function and AFP are as good as PRFA and traditional surgery. LRFA can help reducing postoperative pains, complications, and intrahepatic recurrence rate. The tumor-free survival rate and overall survival rate are increased as well. Therefore, LRFA is safe, minimally invasive and has reliable effects for the treatment of HCC.