High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation as a bridging therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients awaiting liver transplantation

Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int. 2012 Oct;11(5):542-4. doi: 10.1016/s1499-3872(12)60221-5.

Abstract

The scarcity of liver grafts in Asia leads to a significant dropout of patients from liver transplant waiting lists, particularly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and a low model for end-stage liver disease score. In order to reduce dropping out, different bridging therapies are employed. We report the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation as a bridging therapy for a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma of stage two and an extremely low platelet count (20X109/L). The ablation was successful. Blood tests showed that his liver function was similar before and after the treatment. No adhesion was encountered in the liver transplantation performed six months later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / surgery*
  • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged