Radiofrequency ablation of colorectal hepatic metastases.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be performed intraoperatively, laparoscopically, or percutaneously. The percutaneous approach is associated with the least procedural risk and may be performed under local anesthesia. Percutaneous RFA should be considered a primary treatment option for patients with unresectable hepatic tumors or conditions that prohibit general anesthesia or abdominal surgery. Continually improving thermal ablation and imaging technologies are likely to further increase tumor ablation efficacy and expand its role in treatment of hepatic metastases.