Microwave ablation versus transcatheter arterial embolization for large hepatic hemangiomas: clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effect of microwave ablation (MWA) compared with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the treatment of large hepatic hemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 135 patients with symptomatic or/and enlarging hepatic hemangiomas (5-10 cm) from two centers underwent either MWA (n = 82) or TAE (n = 53) as first-line treatment. We compared the two groups in terms of radiologic response, clinical response, operative time, postoperative analgesic requirements, hospital stay and complications. RESULTS: MWA had a significantly higher rate of complete radiologic response (89.0% vs. 37.7%, p<.001) and complete clinical response (88.6% vs. 69.2%, p=.046), fewer minor complications (43.9% vs. 66.0%, p=.019), shorter time of using analgesics (p<.001) and shorter hospital stays (p=.003) than did TAE. The operative time and major complications were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both MWA and TAE are safe and effective in treating patients with large hepatic hemangiomas. MWA had a higher rate of complete response than did TAE, and it was associated with fewer minor complications, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.