Complications and Management of Microwave Coagulation Therapy for Primary and Metastatic Liver Tumors

= 0.006) and higher (P = 0.032), respectively, than those of patients without complications. The incidence of complications increased significantly when the tumor size was more than 4 cm (P = 0.008). Abscesses and bleeding were successfully treated using percutaneous drainage and interventional angiography, respectively, but as the other serious complications were not able to be treated effectively once induced, prophylaxis is important to facilitate MCT. Transcatheter cooling of the intrahepatic bile duct during MCT and the administration of an anticancer agent into the abdominal cavity are recommended to prevent biloma and dissemination, respectively. MCT is indicated for tumors less than 4 cm in diameter to reduce the risk of complications. The prophylaxis and treatment of these complications enhance the safety of MCT.