[Stereotactic Radiofrequency Ablation (SRFA) of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas: a minimal invasive alternative to liver resection].

Up to now resection and liver transplantation are concerned as the only curative treatment options for intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICCs). For patients with inoperable ICCs systemic chemotherapy and various locoregional therapies including transarterial (chemo)embolization (TACE), selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are applied. Stereotactic RFA (SRFA) allows for precise 3D planning and positioning of multiple RF electrodes. Due to overlapping necroses tumors > 5 cm can be completely ablated in one session. 17 inoperable consecutive patients with 52 ICCs were treated with stereotactic RFA (SRFA). A median overall survival of 60 months was achieved. The two largest tumors with diameters > 10 cm were completely ablated. These SRFA data of irresectable ICCs are superior to the published data on resection. SRFA is a minimal invasive alternative treatment to resection and may be considered as the first-line local treatment of patients with ICCs in selected patients.