In a sample of patients statistically similar to the sample in the NCDB report, the examination of at least 14 nodes after resection of T2 or T3 carcinoma of the colon and rectum will accurately stage the lymphatic basin.

Hypothesis: Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) can be performed safely and effectively to control local disease in patients with advanced, unresectable liver tumors. Design, Setting, and Patients: Prospective study of 76 patients with unresectable liver tumors who underwent RFA at a private tertiary referral hospital. Interventions: Ninety-nine RFA operations were performed to ablate 328 tumors. Main Outcome Measures: Complications and local recurrence.Results: There was 1 death (1%), major complications occurred in 7 operations (7%), and minor complications occurred in 10 operations (10%). Local recurrence was identified in 30 tumors (9%) at a mean follow-up of 15 months. Size (PϽ.001), vascular invasion (PϽ.001), and total volume ablated (PϽ.001) were associated with recurrence but the number of tumors was not (P=.39). Conclusion:Radiofrequency thermal ablation provides local control of advanced liver tumors with low recurrence and acceptable morbidity.

No abstract