[Percutaneous ethanol injection therapy for small hepatocellular carcinoma].

Surgical resection is rarely indicated for hepatocellular carcinoma, because of its multiple lesions and often associated complication of liver cirrhosis. In 70-90% of patients who undergo radical operation, cancer will recur within 5 years after the surgery. Therefore, medical therapy plays an important role in the treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma. Percutaneous ethanol injection therapy is thought to be the first choice, because of its excellent local control, preservation of liver function, and possibility of repeated use when necessary. We confirmed good long-term results of this therapy.