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. 2021 Sep;16(3):455-471.
doi: 10.5114/wiitm.2021.105377. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation versus laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a comprehensive meta-analysis

Affiliations

Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation versus laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a comprehensive meta-analysis

Zhijun Li et al. Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been the second leading cause of cancer-related death in China. Radiofrequency ablation is a relatively novel treatment that may improve the treatment of HCC.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in the treatment of HCC.

Material and methods: We searched for relevant published studies in English (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE) and in Chinese (CBM, CNKI and Wanfang) from their inception until September 23, 2019. The quality of included studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: A total of 19 retrospective studies including 2038 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that LLR was superior to RFA in terms of 3-year overall survival rate (OR = 0.62), 1 to 3-year disease-free survival rates (OR = 0.57; OR = 0.41, respectively) and local recurrence rates (OR = 2.71).

Conclusions: The meta-analysis demonstrates that laparoscopic liver resection should be preferred in tumors of size 3-5 cm, while for < 3 cm the long term results are equal.

Keywords: laparoscopic liver resection; radiofrequency ablation; small hepatocellular carcinoma; survival.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart for selection of studies
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates between RFA and LLR
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot of 1-year and 3-year disease-free survival rates between RFA and LLR
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot of postoperative local recurrence between RFA and LLR
Figure 5
Figure 5
Forest plot of perioperative outcomes between RFA and LLR
Figure 6
Figure 6
Funnel plot of 1-y (A) and 3-y (B) overall survival rates
Figure 7
Figure 7
Funnel plot of 1-y (A) and 3-y (B) DFS rates
Figure 8
Figure 8
Funnel plot of postoperative complications

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