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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2026; 32(14): 116380
Published online Apr 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i14.116380
Published online Apr 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i14.116380
Letter to the Editor: Does hepatectomy outweigh radiofrequency ablation in the management of small hepatocellular carcinoma?
Dimitrios S Karagiannakis, Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 12462, Greece
Author contributions: Karagiannakis DS was responsible for conceptualization, writing review, editing, supervision, resources, and methodology.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Author declares no conflict of interest in publishing the manuscript.
Corresponding author: Dimitrios S Karagiannakis, Assistant Professor, Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghiou Thoma 17, Athens 12462, Greece.
Received: November 10, 2025
Revised: December 30, 2025
Accepted: January 21, 2026
Published online: April 14, 2026
Processing time: 144 Days and 9.2 Hours
Revised: December 30, 2025
Accepted: January 21, 2026
Published online: April 14, 2026
Processing time: 144 Days and 9.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: The optimal treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis and early hepatocellular carcinomas who are not suitable candidates for liver transplantation is still a matter of debate. Percutaneous ablation has shown effectiveness for liver tumors smaller than 3 cm, and it typically results in fewer postoperative complications compared to surgical resection. However, surgical resection appears to provide better long-term outcomes, including higher rates of recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Consequently, it should be the preferred approach in tumors larger than 3 cm or those located in areas where satisfactory peritumoral margins cannot be achieved, making it challenging to secure an extended and effective ablation.