Objective  To investigate the effect of laparoscopic microwave ablation in the treatment of liver cancer and its complications after operation.

  Methods  Clinical data of 35 patients undergoing laparoscopic microwave ablation for primary liver cancer was retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative complications after operation, liver function and tumor markers were analyzed. The curative effect of laparoscopic microwave ablation for liver cancer was evaluated.

  Results  All 35 patients successfully completed the operation. The complete ablation rate of the operation was 95.9%. The liver function improved gradually after operation. Tumor markers such as Alpha fetoprotein(AFP) and abnormal prothrombin were gradually decreased at one week after operation. All the patients had different degrees of pain after operation, but was subsided gradually after symptomatic treatment. Low fever occurred in 29 patients, and body temperature recovered to normal after no special treatment. Besides, one patient developed reactive pleural effusions, and diaphragmatic fluid-covered hydrops occurred in two patients. Postoperative routine re-check of liver function showed that transaminase levels increased in all patients, and transaminases progressively declined and gradually restored to normal after active treatment. There were no serious complications after operation, including liver failure, bile leakage and perforation of digestive tract.

  Conclusion  Laparoscopic microwave ablation, with the advantage of less trauma, rapid recovery and high safety, for liver cancer has the same effect as surgical resection, and can reduce the incidence of severe complications.