Publication Name	World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
Manuscript ID	123172
DOI	10.4251/wjgo.123172
Country	China

Category	Oncology
Manuscript Type	Correspondence
Article Title	Letter to the Editor: Multibipolar radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma - a superior thermal ablation technique or a reflection of operator excellence?
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Shi-Qiong Zhou and Qing-Hua Ke
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Qing-Hua Ke, Chief Physician, PhD, Department of Chemoradiotherapy, Jingzhou First People's Hospital, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China, No. 10 Tianhu Road, Shashi District, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China. 3803354759@qq.com
Key Words	Hepatocellular carcinoma; Thermal ablation; Confounding by indication; Operator experience; Peritumoral fibrosis
Core Tip	The study by Bahloul et al suggests that multibipolar radiofrequency ablation may achieve better local control than microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in tumors ≥ 3 cm. However, significant confounders, such as operator experience and institutional variation, limit causal interpretation. Rather than confirming technical superiority, these findings underscore the importance of procedural expertise, tumor biology, and ablation precision. Future research should focus on randomized trials, peritumoral tissue characterization, and standardized quality metrics to guide personalized treatment selection.
Citation	Zhou SQ, Ke QH. Letter to the Editor: Multibipolar radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma - a superior thermal ablation technique or a reflection of operator excellence? World J Gastrointest Oncol 2026; In press DOI: https://doi.org/10.4251/wjgo.123172
PDF	123172-in-press.pdf

Received	2026-05-12 02:23
Peer-Review Started	2026-05-12 02:23
First Decision by Editorial Office Director
Return for Revision	2026-07-06 03:38
Revised	2026-07-06 12:06
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2026-07-16 02:41
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-07-16 06:41
Articles in Press	2026-07-16 06:41
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-5204 (online)
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