Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous and cone beam CT-guided transbronchial ablation in the treatment of early multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC). Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on patients who met inclusion criteria in Shanghai Chest Hospital between May 2020 to June 2022. According to ablation pathway, lesions were divided into two groups: percutaneous ablation group and transbronchial ablation group. Results A total of 13 MPLC patients with 26 lesions were included (14 percutaneous ablation and 12 transbronchial ablation). There were no statistically significant differences in solid component, lesion location, lung field and lesion size between the two groups. The distance from the parietal pleura in the transbronchial ablation group was longer than that in percutaneous ablation group (P=0.03). The median follow-up period time were 13 months and 12 months for group percutaneous ablation and transbronchial ablation. No significant differences were found in 3-month complete ablation rate (100.0% vs. 83.3%), 1-year local control rate (100.0% vs. 91.7%) and severe complication rate (7.1% vs. 16.7%). The minor complication rate in percutaneous ablation group was higher than that in transbronchial ablation group (50.0% vs 0.0%, P=0.02). Conclusions Percutaneous ablation and transbronchial ablation have high efficacy and safety, and the latter involves lower minor complication rate. They complement each other, which provide the individualized treatments for early MPLC patients who are not suitable for or refuse surgery.
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, primarily affecting the liver. Due to its insidious nature, the patients are often diagnosed at advanced stage, posing significant treatment challenges. We comprehensively examines the progress in surgical techniques for HAE management, focusing on various strategies across different disease stages. For the patients with early-stage HAE, ablation therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option. In the moderate to advanced cases, numerous surgical techniques and innovative approaches have been introduced, including laparoscopic surgery and liver transplantation, with particular emphasis on ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation. These advancements offer more effective treatment options for the patients with advanced HAE. However, significant challenges persist, notably the preservation of adequate liver function while achieving complete lesion removal. Future research should prioritize the exploration and optimization of existing surgical methods, especially for advanced HAE cases. This includes refining surgical techniques through precise preoperative evaluation and staging, as well as developing novel surgical approaches to enhance safety and efficacy. Furthermore, multicenter and long-term follow-up prospective studies are crucial for validating the effectiveness of new surgical techniques and strategies. Through these concerted efforts, it is anticipated that the survival rates and quality of life for HAE patients will significantly be improved, marking a new era in the management of this complex disease.