RFA/Microwave Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation in Delhi

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) destroys cancer cells using heat. It primarily treats liver cancer via a minimally invasive procedure. Radiofrequency ablation works by inserting the tip of an electrode into the tumour and then using radio waves to heat the tumour until it dies. The heat causes tumours to shrink and disappear. This treatment is used primarily on liver cancers because it can be challenging to treat with other methods such as surgery or chemotherapy. Microwave ablation (MWA) is the process of using microwaves to damage or destroy diseased tissue. The procedure treats cancerous tumours, and a doctor may perform RFA or MWA for the same symptoms.

Why Is It Done?

Radiofrequency and microwave ablation treat many types of liver cancer. The two most common types are: 

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is primary liver cancer that begins in the liver.

• Colon cancer metastasises or spreads from the colon to the liver.

Ablation may also treat multiple other types of cancer and masses within the liver. Radiofrequency ablation is most effective in treating tumours less than one and a half inches in diameter. Surgeons use the procedure when: 

• Surgery is risky 

• Tumours do not respond to chemotherapy 

• Tumours are-occurring repeatedly

• Several small tumours spread throughout the liver.

RFA and MWA are procedures that use heat to destroy neuroendocrine tumour (NET) cells in the liver. NETs are cancers that begin in specialised cells called neuroendocrine cells. These cells have traits similar to those of nerve cells and hormone-producing cells.

RFA uses needles that go through the skin into the tumour. The current heats and destroys neuroendocrine tumour cells while sparing healthy liver tissue around the tumours. MWA uses microwaves instead of radio waves. Both methods work by heating and destroying neuroendocrine tumour cells.

Ablation works better on small liver tumours, generally smaller than 3cm. RFA and MWA are most effective when used alone or combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy surgery or chemoembolization.

Doctors also use ablation to treat larger liver tumours, but they often combine this treatment with surgery chemotherapy or chemoembolization so that cancer doesn't return after treatment. Contact us now to get the know radiofrequency ablation cost in Delhi and the finest treatment with the help of a team of experts at Manipal Hospitals. 

Risk

Side effects of radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are usually mild but may include:

• Light weakness and fever. 

• In rare cases, an infection can occur.

• Flu symptoms may last up to 5 days.

• The most severe risk is damage to the bowel or bile ducts, which is rare.

• Bleeding is also possible but is considered rare.

Preparation

A specially trained interventional radiologist performs the image-guided, minimally invasive procedure of ablation.

• Doctors conduct a pre-assessment to ensure the patient can take the ablation procedure.

• The patient undergoes blood tests and an ECG to check their heart condition.

• The doctor understands the medical history and allergies if any.  

• The doctor may recommend 6-8 hours of fasting before the procedure.

During The Procedure

• A doctor gives a general or local anaesthetic using an IV line before RFA or MWA.

• Most patients get the treatment percutaneously via their skin.

• In exceptional cases, the surgeon may also conduct laparoscopy, which puts a laparoscope, a tiny device with a light and a camera, through an incision in the abdomen.

• The interventional radiologist uses ultrasound or CT scan to guide the probe into the tumour through the skin. 

• The probe works as an electrode and passes a radiofrequency current or microwaves into the tumour.

• Radiofrequency or microwave destroys the tumour by heating it.

• The medical staff monitors the patient's vital stats during the procedure.

• The surgeon removes the probe and covers the incision with a bandage.

• The medical staff removed the IV line.

• RFA or MWA may take up to 30 minutes for each ablation. The total time depends upon the number of tumours.

After The Procedure

• The doctor controls the pain using medications once the effect of anaesthesia is over.

• The doctor may prescribe a drug if the patient feels nausea.

• The patient stays in the recovery room till fully awake.

• The patient may resume nutrition under the guidance of a nutrition expert.

• Generally, patients get discharged the next day from the hospital.

• Usually, patients do not have pain a few days after ablation. Patients should speak to their doctor if the pain persists beyond a week.

Result

• Patients can resume most activities within a few days and almost all after a week.

• After six weeks, the doctor conducts a CT or an MRI scan to ensure the treatment's effectiveness and identify residual tumours.

• The patient may undergo a CT or MRI scan repeatedly after a few months to check for recurrence.

• Radiofrequency and microwave ablation show high success rates in eliminating small liver tumours, with over 85 per cent of tumours treated by ablation not recurring.

• Ablation is also quick and offers rapid recovery, with patients typically being able to leave the hospital within 24 hours of treatment. 

• Ablation may also be less expensive than other cancer treatment options and offers patients a greater chance for a healthy life.

Why Manipal Hospitals?

Manipal Hospitals offers a complete spectrum of cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, ablation, radiation therapy, haematology, and bone marrow transplant.

Manipal Hospitals are known for their advanced technology in radiofrequency and microwave ablation. We are equipped with the best equipment to perform these procedures in our state-of-the-art facility.

Our tumour board meets twice weekly to discuss treatment plans for all the patients. The multidisciplinary tumour board consists of experienced clinicians, pathologists, and radiologists who help each patient with a personalised treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there any limitations to Radiofrequency and microwave ablation?

Unfortunately, ablation limits the volume of tumour tissue it can destroy. Hopefully, technical advances will permit the curing of larger tumours in the future. Ablation also cannot destroy microscopic-sized tumours and cannot prevent cancer from growing back.

• How much heat does ablation generate?

Radiofrequency ablation zones can reach temperatures of less than 100 °C, while microwave ablation zones can reach temperatures over 150 °C.

• What is liver cancer?

The formation of cancerous cells in the liver is liver cancer. 

The liver is an organ that filters your blood and helps remove waste from your body. Cancerous cells multiply and can spread to other parts of your body. The cancers may also begin in other organs such as the pancreas or stomach. Liver cancer can be fatal if not treated early on.

• How to prevent liver cancer?

There are a few ways to prevent liver cancer. 

• The most effective way is to stop drinking alcohol, which can increase your risk of liver cancer. 

• Lifestyle changes help to reduce the risk of liver cancer:

• Quitting smoking

• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight

• Reducing your exposure to toxins.

Summary

Radiofrequency and microwave ablation are two different methods of destroying cancer cells in the liver. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) generates heat to kill cancer cells, while microwave ablation (MWA) uses microwaves. Both methods treat many types of liver cancer, including Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Colon cancer. MWA destroys neuroendocrine tumour (NET) cells in the liver.

The surgeon guides the probe into the tumour through the skin. The probe works as an electrode and passes a radiofrequency current or microwaves into the tumour. 

Radiofrequency or microwave destroys the tumour by heating it. Generally, patients get discharged from the hospital the next day after undergoing this procedure of radiofrequency ablation in Delhi. They can resume almost all activities after a week. 

After a few months, patients may undergo CT or MRI scans again to check for any re-occurrence at the best interventional radiology hospital in Delhi.