What is radiofrequency thermoablation?
Radiofrequency thermoablation is a minimally invasive surgical technique that targets a harmful lesion in the body using heat. The effect of the radiofrequency waves closes the small blood vessels and produces the ablation with less risk of bleeding. There are three types of radiofrequency thermoablation depending on the technique used:
- Percutaneous radiofrequency thermoablation, using needles in the patient’s skin.
- Laparoscopic radiofrequency thermoablation, in which, in addition to the needles, a thin tube is inserted into the skin.
- Radiofrequency thermoablation with open surgery.
Depending on the technique used, thermoablation will be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Why is it performed?
The most common treatment with radiofrequency thermoablation is that of malignant or cancerous tumors, especially liver tumors. It is performed, in these cases, to destroy the cancerous cells and can be a single treatment to eliminate the tumor, or complementary to other therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The perfect candidate for this treatment is someone whose tumor is inaccessible or difficult to access for surgery or who, due to health problems, undergoing surgery could be dangerous. It is also performed in cases where the liver tumor occupies so much liver tissue that if it were removed surgically there would not be enough liver left to function properly. Finally, it is also effective when the patient has multiple liver tumors widely distributed throughout the tissue to be removed.
In general, the two types of liver tumor most commonly treated with thermoablation are hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer with liver metastases.
On the other hand, the radiofrequency thermoablation technique is also used in the treatment of varicose and spider veins. The ability of radiofrequency to seal the veins with less risk of bleeding makes it a safe and less invasive treatment for varicose veins.
Radiofrequency thermoablation is used in liver tumors, especially those that are difficult to access or very disseminated.
What does it consist of?
The treatment consists of raising, by means of radiofrequency waves, the temperature of the cancerous cells and destroying them, reducing or even eliminating the tumor. It uses a diagnostic imaging system, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) to guide an electrode that is inserted from needles to the location of the tumor. Once the electrode is in place, radiofrequency waves are emitted, which generate heat through the electrode and destroy the cancer cells.
Preparation for radiofrequency thermoablation
Before the procedure, the patient will be checked for any allergies or contraindications to anesthesia or contrast material. Clinical tests may also be prescribed to assess the state of health of the kidneys and possible blood coagulation disorders.
Days before the procedure, the oncologist or radiologist may advise the patient not to take certain medications, and from midnight of the day before the procedure, food and/or beverages may be restricted.
Post-operative care
The postoperative period and recovery will vary depending on the thermoablation technique used. In the case of the percutaneous technique, which is preferred because it is the least invasive, the patient will remain in the recovery room until he/she is fully awake, which usually occurs a few hours after the operation and the patient can go home the same day. A few days later, the patient will be able to return to normal life.
Alternatives to this treatment
Radiofrequency thermoablation itself is a less invasive alternative to conventional surgery to remove cancerous tumors. Thus, the patient who does not undergo thermoablation will treat the tumor by other techniques such as open surgery. On the other hand, chemotherapy and radiotherapy therapies can be an alternative to thermoablation or be a complementary treatment to maximize its results.