The authors present a case of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of a confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma using expandable needle electrodes and the double-insertion technique. The patient underwent radiofrequency ablation for a 5.0-cm-in-diameter hepatocellular carcinoma in liver segment VIII. One radiofrequency ablation session using the double-insertion technique was performed, resulting in the complete necrosis of the tumor. A collection of pleural effusion as a complication of radiofrequency ablation was revealed by a computed tomography scanning which was performed after the radiofrequency ablation session. However, no other serious complication was encountered. No local recurrences have been observed after a 10-month follow-up period. The present case suggests the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation using expandable needle electrodes and the double-insertion technique.