Seventy-five studies were included. The authors stated that the quality of the evidence base was limited, as most of the data came from single-arm studies conducted in a single centre.
Cryotherapy (26 studies)
Survival rates ranged from 46% to 92% at one year follow-up, eight to 60% at three years and zero to 44% at five years. Median survival ranged from 22.9 to 94.2 months. Mean survival rates were 84% at one year, 37% at three years and 17% at five years. Major complication rates were between seven and 66%. Local recurrence ranged from 12% to 39%.
Radiofrequency ablation (36 studies)
Survival for patients receiving radiofrequency ablation alone ranged from 75% to 93% at one year, seven to 60% at three years, and 18.4 to 60.8% at five years follow-up. Median survival was between four and 40 months. Mean survival rates were 85% at one year, 36% at three years and 24% at five years. Major complication rates ranged from zero and 33.3%. Local recurrence ranged from 8.8 to 34%.
Microwave ablation (13 studies)
Survival rates ranged from 40 to 91.4% at one year follow-up, from zero to 57% at three years follow-up and 14 to 32% at five years follow-up. Median survival was between 20.5 and 43 months. Mean survival rates were 73% at one year,30% at three years and 16% at five years. The rate of major complications was between zero and 19%. Local recurrence ranged from two to 12.5%.