Ablative Therapies

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) uses an electrical current to destroy a tumor by creating heat in a tumor for a specific period of time. The result of this “super heating” is the death or destruction of the tumor.

There are various methods of performing a Radiofrequency Ablation:

• With a needle: RFA can be performed by inserting a needle through the skin under x-ray guidance (percutaneously ), then placing a probe through the needle and positioning it in the liver tumor.
  • The percutaneous procedure is usually performed by an interventional radiologist under local anaesthesia.
  • The patient can go home the same day.
• Laproscopically: RFA can be performed through small incisions in the skin (laparoscopically ). A laparoscope is inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen.
  • A laproscopic procedure is performed by a surgeon
  • The patient is generally hospitalized overnight and can go home the day after the procedure.
• Open surgery: With open surgery, an incision is made in the abdomen.
  • The operation is performed under general anesthesia by a surgeon.
  • The stay in the hospital and overall recovery period will be longer. Your doctor can give you an idea of what to expect. (See the documents in “To Learn More” to maximize your stay in a hospital, to stay safe, and to not receive unwarranted billing).

RFA is safe, well tolerated and an effective treatment for patients with inoperable metastatic liver tumors.

RFA is most effective in liver lesions that are less than or equal to 3-4 centimeters in size.

Side Effects:

• Many patients experience a low grade fever for a few days following the procedure.
• There is a very low risk of infection, bleeding and skin burn.

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