Having a radiofrequency and microwave ablation

What is an ablation?

An ablation is a medical procedure performed under general anaesthetic which involves passing a small electric current through a tumour. This causes the tumour to heat up and destroys (ablates) tumour tissue. It is most often used to treat liver tumours but can be used elsewhere including the lung.

How is an ablation done?

A specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist will perform the procedure. They have special expertise in using imaging for diagnosis, to perform procedures and administer treatment.

The procedure involves passing a special needle through the skin in the abdomen into the liver.

The benefits of having an ablation

Ablations can be used to treat tumours in patients who cannot have surgery to remove the tumour (for example if they have previously had liver surgery) or who are not fit enough for an operation.

The treatment destroys the tumour in approximately 80% of patients. Ablation can be repeated if necessary and can be combined with other treatments.

Risks and side-effects

Ablation is a safe medical procedure with the risk of serious complications being less than 1%. It is normal to have a low fever and feel flu-like symptoms for a few days afterwards. This should settle without treatment.
There is a small risk of bleeding (less than 1%) in your abdomen which may require treatment.

The organs close to the liver can rarely by damaged by the heating process, although this risk is minimised as much as possible.

To be able to carry out the procedure we may need to use X-rays. Exposure to radiation can slightly increase a person’s lifetime cancer risk, but for this procedure, the risk is low. Your doctor has decided that the benefit to you from the procedure outweighs the low risk from the radiation.

Before your ablation
• You will need to have a pre-operative assessment (POA) prior to your procedure where you will have a blood test. This blood test will check that your blood clotting is normal. If it is abnormal, there is an increased risk of bleeding after the procedure. To correct this, you may be given special blood transfusions. Please discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• If you are taking warfarin or any other blood thinning medication, please tell the team at your POA and follow their advice prior to attending your procedure. Take your medicines as normal unless your doctor or nurse tells you not to.
• If you have any allergies or have previously had a reaction to the x-ray dye (contrast agent) you must tell the radiology staff before you have the procedure. You will be admitted to the ward the evening prior to your procedure date.
• The admissions team will call you that afternoon to inform you which ward to attend. Please don’t have anything to eat or drink after midnight the evening prior to your procedure.

What will happen at your ablation
• The procedure will take place in the interventional radiology department. In some cases, the procedure may take place in the CT scanner to help plan the treatment. Ablations are always carried out under general anaesthetic.
• You will be asked to give written consent before the procedure. Please do not hesitate to ask the doctor if you have any questions at all. It is your decision to have the procedure.
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. A small plastic tube (cannula) will be placed into a vein in your arm and the anaesthetist will administer the general anaesthetic.
• You will receive an injection of local anaesthetic in the skin on the abdomen. Once numb, a small needle is inserted into the liver through a tiny incision in the skin. The needle is positioned inside the tumour and an electrical current is then applied which heats and destroys the tumour.
• You should expect the procedure to take about two hours. The timing varies as every patient is different.

After your ablation

• You will be taken back to a ward where you will stay in bed as instructed by the nursing staff. They will monitor you at regular intervals.
• Light refreshment will be provided. If you have any dietary requirements, please inform us in advance and bring a light refreshment with you on the day.
• Once you have been observed for a satisfactory length of time you will be discharged home, this is usually the next day.
• You will need someone to take you home by car or taxi, especially if you have received sedatives as the effect of these can last for 24 hours. Public transport is not recommended as it is not safe should you feel unwell.

What you should do when you get home

• Rest for a minimum of 24 hours and if possible do not go to work on the day after the procedure.
• It is recommended that someone stays with you overnight.
• Eat and drink as normal.
• Take your usual pain relief, as prescribed, if necessary.
• Continue with your normal medication as prescribed. If you take anticoagulants, restarting these will be discussed with you before discharge.
When you will receive your results
You will have a follow up scan to assess the treatment success about four to six weeks after the Ablation and a clinic appointment to discuss the results.

What to do if you have a problem at home

There may be some bruising at the puncture site - this is not usually serious. You will feel tired and might have a low fever for three to five days. If you have a fever or increasing pain, go to your nearest emergency department (A&E).

Parking

Please be aware that a very limited number of parking spaces are available at the hospital. Please visit this page for further information.