Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
With the help of a multipolar radio frequency ablation, tumours and metastasis can be eliminated/destroyed by heat in different organs (for example, liver, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, bones etc). Tumours and metastasis that cannot be healed by an operation any more are treated this way.
What does the examination look like and what should I pay attention to?
The patient should not eat for 6 hours before the examination. The therapy is usually carried out on an inpatient basis and lasts several days.
During the examination and therapy under an ultra sound control (sonography) or with the help of laparoscopy, the electrodes are inserted into the tumour or the metastasis. At least one electrode, in the case of big tumours up to three electrodes are used. We use only a multipolar technique (Fa. Olympus / Celon), since because of its multipolarity electricity runs among the electrodes and a big neutral electrode must not be attached to the body (as during all bipolar radio frequency techniques) and therefore electricity running through the body is reduced and heat release can be controlled more exactly. Clearly circumscribed areas can be also treated this way, release of heat through big vessels and therefore risk of complications is decreased.
After placement of radio-frequency electrodes, a certain amount of energy is released for approximately 20-200 minutes according to the size of tumour. In addition to that, all electrodes are pulled out and a bandage is applied. In the most cases, the patient can eat again and walk again normally directly after the examination. Because of destroyed tumour masses that the immune system must now remove, it can result in fever and abnormal fatigue. If there are many tumours or metastasis, radio frequency ablation can be also repeated and more metastasis can be destroyed. The number of metastasis for a radio frequency ablation is from 5 up to a maximum of 7, and their diameter should be not bigger then 5 to a maximum of 7 centimetres.
The examination can be also carried out with a so-called sedation shot. In this case, the patient is asleep during the examination, after that he can have a rest in an anaesthetic recovery room.
Your referring doctor should give you detailed information about the examination and its possible risks. We are available for a preliminary talk and for the more precise information. Your family doctor should determine the blood picture and the blood clotting well in advance. Your should brings these blood values to the examination.
It is recommended to stop taking aspirin-containing preparations or medications that influence blood coagulation such as for example Clopidogrel 5-7 days before the examination. Your family doctor or our team are available in case of any questions (especially for Marcumar patients).
