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RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION
WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?
Radiofrequency ablation is a new way to treat cancer. A special needle electrode is placed in the tumor under the guidance of an imaging method such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). The electrode is connected to equipment that passes a radiofrequency current through the needle. The heat from the radiofrequency energy heats the tumor tissue around the needle tip and ablates (kills) it. The heat also closes up small blood vessels, thereby minimizing the risk of bleeding.
 
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON USES OF THE PROCEDURE?
Radiofrequency ablation is commonly used to treat liver cancer. This can be cancer originating in the liver or a cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the liver from other areas. Many patients with a malignant liver tumor are not good candidates for liver resection surgery, sometimes because their tumor is too widespread or inaccessible, or because other medical conditions make surgery especially risky. Some liver tumors have failed to respond to systemic chemotherapy, or have recurred after an initial surgery. For many of these patients, radiofrequency ablation is a viable and effective treatment option. Typically, radiofrequency ablation is not used to treat liver tumors if there is active cancer outside the liver.
 
HOW DOES RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION WORK?
Radiofrequency ablation may be done by placing ablation needles through the skin using imaging guidance (US or CT) by placing needles through a tube inserted through small holes in the skin (laparoscopy); or during open surgery. The procedure may be repeated as needed should the tumor recur.

Performing Radiofrequency Ablation (picture not included)
1. An electrode-tipped needle is guided to the tumor site.
2. An inner needle expands like an umbrella once placed inside the tumor.
3. RF energy is applied, heating and killing cancer cells.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE AND WHAT IS IT LIKE?
The evening before the exam you may eat or drink anything. You will be instructed which medications you may take in the morning, and when to arrive at the hospital. After registering at the hospital, your blood will be drawn for routine tests. You will be sent to Radiology if your procedure is percutaneous (through the skin) or to a Surgical Pre-operation Holding area if your surgery is Laparoscopic or Open Surgery. You will be placed under general anesthesia. Once the needle electrode is in place, radiofrequency energy is applied. For a larger tumor it may be necessary to do overlapping ablations to make certain that no tumor tissue is left behind. After radiofrequency ablation you may receive further medication to prevent pain and nausea as the sedation wears off. You are then sent to your hospital room. Most patients are discharged from the hospital the following day.
 
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR COMPLICATIONS?
Organs and tissues near the liver, such as the gall bladder, bile ducts, diaphragm, and intestines, are at risk of being injured. When this happens, surgical correction may be necessary. This only happens 3-5% of the time, and is related to the exact location of the liver tumor that is treated. Roughly, one in four patients may develop a "post-ablation syndrome" with flu-like symptoms that appear three to five days after the procedure. These symptoms may last about 5-7 days, and are easily treated by various medications. The probe insertion site may become infected. In less than 2% of the procedures, the tumor killed by the procedure may become infected and abscess. We will review these risks with you in more detail before the procedure. You may ask questions at any time.
 
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?
  • More than half the liver tumors treated by radiofrequency ablation have not recurred.
  • Treatment-related serious complications are infrequent.
  • Radiofrequency ablation may be used repeatedly to treat recurrent tumors. 
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS TO RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?
There is a limit to the volume of tumor tissue that can be eliminated. This is due to the limitations in the size of the "burn" that can be produced with current equipment. Radiofrequency ablation will not eliminate microscopic sized tumors and cannot prevent cancer from growing back.

For additional information or to schedule a radiofrequency ablation procedure please contact our clinical coordinator at 873-3724.

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