Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is an FDA approved, non-surgical procedure used to treat inoperable cancers. This promising new procedure uses an electrical current to heat and destroy liver, kidney, lung and bone tumors.

With radiofrequency ablation, a needle in inserted into the tumor using ultrasound or CT guidance. When the needle is properly placed within the tumor, multiple electrodes are extended from the needle tip. When fully extended, the electrodes form an umbrella shape to create more contact points within the tumor. A radiofrequency current is then run through the electrodes (the needle is insulated) to essentially cook the tumor tissue. At the same time, blood vessels feeding the tumor are cauterized, preventing any significant amount of blood loss. The body eventually replaces the dead tumor cells with scar tissue, which will eventually shrink.

Radiofrequency ablation is a very safe procedure with complications occurring in less than 3% of cases. It can be used to treat tumors that are visible with imaging techniques and about 5 cm in diameter or less. Since it has few side effects and damages very little healthy tissue, this procedure can be performed repeatedly to help control both primary and secondary cancers. While it won’t cure the cancer, it can destroy tumors, improve the quality of life, and possibly extend life for people with inoperable cancer.

This page contains the following information about radiofrequency ablation:

Reasons for Having Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat cancer in patients who cannot have the tumors surgically removed. It may be used to treat tumors that have returned after surgery or haven’t responded to chemotherapy. Radiofrequency ablation may also be used to reduce the number of tumors prior to surgery or to control primary cancer prior to an organ transplant.

Not everyone with inoperable cancer is a candidate for this procedure. If you are a candidate, your doctor may recommend this procedure over other non-surgical treatments for the following reasons:

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Risks Involved in Radiofrequency Ablation

Since a needle is inserted into the body, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection. Bleeding usually stops on its own. However, if it’s severe, an additional procedure or surgery may be required to control it.

If CT imaging guidance is used, you could have an allergic reaction to the contrast material.

Approximately 25% of patients develop flu-like symptoms three to five days after the procedure. These symptoms usually last about five days, but may extend for two to three weeks. Acetaminophen can be taken to control fever.

Injury to nearby structures, such as the intestines, gallbladder, bile ducts, or lungs, may occur. An injury to the diaphragm may also occur, which may cause right shoulder pain. These injuries are uncommon when ultrasound or CT imaging guidance is used.

Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About

In advance of your exam, let your INVISION radiologist or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

Insurance Coverage for Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is usually covered by insurance. Check with your insurance carrier to be sure.

Procedure Locations

Consultations for radiofrequency ablation are done at the INVISION Vascular & Interventional Clinic.

The procedure is performed at the following INVISION partner hospitals in the Denver, Colorado area:

Please note:

INVISION is partially owned by Radiology Imaging Associates (RIA); consequently, your radiologist’s lab coat and your bill, if you receive one, may say RIA rather than INVISION.

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Scheduling Radiofrequency Ablation

To schedule a consultation to discuss radiofrequency ablation, call 720-493-3406.

Preparing for Radiofrequency Ablation

Following are the preparation guidelines for radiofrequency ablation. Please contact us at 720-493-3406 if you have any questions.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Before scheduling the procedure, an INVISION radiologist must determine if you are a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation. You will need to supply INVISION with numerous medical records and test results so your eligibility can be determined.

If you appear to be a candidate, you will undergo additional exams including a blood test and a CT scan. These exams will help the radiologist confirm your eligibility for radiofrequency ablation and plan your treatment.

When you come in for the procedure, you will be asked to change into a gown. After answering any questions you have, a technologist will start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. You will remain awake for the procedure, but you will be given conscious sedation through the IV to help you relax.

The radiologist will use ultrasound or a CT scanner to precisely locate the tumor. If ultrasound is used, a warm gel will be applied to your skin. If a CT scanner is used, contrast material will be injected through your IV. Local anesthetic will be applied to the skin where an incision will be made for the needle to pass through. Grounding pads for the electrical current will be placed on your abdomen or legs. Using the ultrasound or CT images as guidance, the radiologist will make the incision and then carefully insert the needle into the tumor. When the needle is properly positioned, the electrodes will be deployed into the tumor.

After the electrodes are fully extended, an electric current will be passed through the needle into the electrodes by a radiofrequency generator. The radiofrequency current will be applied long enough to destroy the cancer cells and a small rim of surrounding healthy tissue. The electrodes will then be withdrawn and the needle removed. Larger tumors may require more then one needle insertion to kill the entire tumor.

It takes 15-30 minutes for each needle insertion and electrical current application. The entire procedure will take 1-3 hours, depending on the number of tumors and their sizes. Each incision will be cleaned and taped.

This procedure is generally painless. Let the radiologist known immediately if you feel any pain.

After all the tumors have been treated, you will spend several hours in a recovery area. You may be given medication to control pain and nausea as the sedation wears off. You will then spend the night in the hospital.

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Recovering from Your Procedure

Most patients return to their normal activities the day after the treatment. Patients may experience pain after the procedure, but it usually subsides within a week and is manageable with prescription medication.

Some patients will develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, a few days after the procedure. These symptoms usually last about five days. The fever can be controlled with acetaminophen.

Follow-Up for This Procedure

Within a week after the procedure, you will have a CT scan to ensure all the tumor tissue has been destroyed. You will then have a CT scan every three months to check for new tumors.

Additional Information

The information on this page was taken in part from some of the following web sites. Visit these sites for additional information on radiofrequency ablation.

Sources

Radiofrequency ablation is a new procedure for treating inoperable liver, kidney, lung, and bone tumors using an electrical current. Patients must receive a CT scan prior to undergoing radiofrequency ablation to ensure they are good candidates for the procedure.