Treatment & Risk of Radiofrequency Ablation, Southlake, TX
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well-established procedure in the treatment of small solid tumors, mainly of the liver be it hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or colorectal metastases. The high-energy radio wave treatment is applied in a needle-based approach under image-guidance.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat made by radio waves to treat cancer. Radiofrequency is a type of electrical energy. The electrical energy heats up the tumor and kills the cancer cells.
What happens during the treatment period?
A radiofrequency
ablation is a treatment option for patients who have experienced successful
pain relief after a diagnostic nerve/pain receptor block injection.
Prepare the patient
The patient remains awake and aware during the
procedure to provide feedback to the physician. A low dose sedative, such as
Valium or Versed, is usually the only medication given for this procedure.
Insert the needle
Fluoroscopy allows the doctor to watch the needle in
real-time on the fluoroscope monitor to make sure that the needle goes to the
desired location. Contrast may be injected to confirm the correct needle
location. Some discomfort occurs, but patients typically feel more pressure
than pain.
Deliver heating current
Once the needle is in place, the patient receives a
numbing medication. The current destroys the portion of the nerve that
transmits pain and disrupts the pain-producing signal. The burn takes
approximately 90 seconds for each site, and multiple nerves can be burned at
the same time.
Risk of Radiofrequency Ablation
Air embolism
Air may enter the bloodstream and cause a stroke, heart
attack, or death
Bleeding
It is possible, though unusual, to experience an
episode of bleeding, which may be excessive, during, or after surgery. Bleeding
may require additional treatment. Please notify your physician if you are
taking or plan to take any of these medications.
Blood clot development
Blood clots may occur with any type of surgery. Clots
can block blood flow and cause complications including pain, swelling,
inflammation, neurological deficits, or tissue damage. This may require
additional procedures for the treatment of the blood clot.
Increased pain
It is possible, though unlikely, that pain or other
symptoms will increase following the procedure.
Recurrence
There is a chance that the signs and symptoms may
reoccur.
Respiratory Difficulties
Breathing difficulties, usually temporary, or
postoperative pneumonia may occur as a result of surgery. A pulmonary embolus
could occur from blood clotting in the veins. This may be life-threatening and
require further therapy.
Scar Formation
It is possible that scar tissue could form in the area
where the operation was performed and cause pain and other symptoms.
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