Small single perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma: comparisons of radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation by using propensity score analysis.

• Microwave ablation exhibited better local tumor control than radiofrequency ablation for small single periportal hepatocellular carcinoma. • There was a significant interaction between the treatment effect of ablation modality and type of peritumoral vessel on local tumor progression. • The type of peritumoral vessel is vital in choosing ablation modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma.