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.

Treatment Reference

 

 

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