THERMAL ABLATION (RFA & MICROWAVE) OF RENAL TUMOR
What it is:
- It is an image-guided minimally invasive technique that uses heat to destroy cancer cells. Various techniques like RFA or microwave are used to generate heat.
- In RFA, imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) are used to help guide a needle electrode into a cancerous tumour. High-frequency electrical currents are then passed through the electrode to creating focal heat that destroys the cancer cells surrounding the electrode.
- Microwave ablation, also a minimally-invasive cancer treatment, also uses ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) to guide placement of a specialized needle-like probe into a tumour and uses microwaves to heat and destroy it.
Why it is preferred over traditional therapy:
- It is a minimally invasive procedure (No surgical incision).
- It may be used in addition to chemotherapy or radiation therapy or as an alternative to surgical treatment.
- Thermal ablation is a viable and effective treatment option if you:
- Not a good candidate for surgery because your tumour is difficult to reach.
- Other medical conditions that make surgery especially risky.
- Having renal tumours that have not responded to chemotherapy or that have recurred after being removed surgically.
- In most studies, renal tumours treated by thermal ablation have not recurred (Recurrence rate <5 %).
Preparation for procedure:
- Few basic blood investigations like CBC, PT/INR, viral markers.
- Fasting for 4-6 hrs.
- Bring all the records including imaging record.
- Signing consent form.
What are risk:
- Very rare; Pain, perinephric hematoma, Fever and post ablation syndrome (Controlled by medication).
