Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare the effects between ultrasound guided percutaneous laser ablation (LA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HHC). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 54 patients with small HHC. According to the different methods of treatment, 54 patients were divided into LA group (n=27) and RFA group (n=27). Patients in LA group were treated with ultrasound guided percutaneous LA, and patients in RFA group were treated with RFA. The adverse reaction and shortterm curative effect were observed. The local tumor control rate and progressionfree survival (PFS) of patients were followup visited. ResultsAfter treatment, the total response rates of patients in LA group and RFA group were 81.48% and 77.78% respectively, with no significant difference (χ2=0.11, P=0.74). The 1year local tumor control rates of patients in LA group and RFA group were 77.78% and 51.85% respectively, with a significant difference (χ2=14.74, P=0.00). The median PFS of patients in LA group and RFA group were (12.52±6.57) months and (8.67±5.13) months, with a significant difference (χ2=4.70, P=0.03). The adverse reactions of patients in LA group and RFA group after treatment were puncture region pain (40.74% vs. 33.33%; χ2=0.32, P=0.57), retroperitoneal hemorrhage (7.41% vs. 11.11%; P=0.64), hemobilia (0 vs. 3.70%; P=0.31), bile leakage (7.41% vs. 14.81%; P=0.39), and abdominal infection (3.70% vs. 11.11%; P=0.30), with no significant differences. ConclusionCompared with RFA, LA may improve the local tumor control rate and prolong the PFS of patients with small HHC, which has a certain clinical practice value and prospect.

Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular, Catheter ablation, Progressionfree survival