Radio Frequency Ablation,RF Ablation Surgery, RFA Osteoid Osteoma Treatment Gujarat, India

Radiofrequency ablation, sometimes referred to as RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer. It is an image-guided technique that heats and destroys cancer cells.
In radiofrequency ablation, imaging techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) are used to help guide a needle electrode into a cancerous tumor. High-frequency electrical currents are then passed through the electrode, creating heat that destroys the abnormal  cancer cells.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat two types of liver cancer:

• hepatocellular carcinoma, 
• Liver  metastasis  from  colon, breast ,endocrine tumor.

In general, radiofrequency ablation is most effective treating tumors that are less than two inches in diameter. It may be used in addition to chemotherapy or radiation therapy or as an alternative to surgical treatment.
Radiofrequency ablation is a viable and effective treatment option if you: are not a good candidate for surgery because your tumor is difficult to reach have other medical conditions that make surgery especially risky would not have enough liver tissue left for the organ to function adequately following the surgical removal of a tumor have liver tumors that have not responded to chemotherapy or that have recurred after being removed surgically you have several small liver tumors that are too spread out to be removed surgically.

How should I prepare?

You should report to your doctor all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to anesthesia or to contrast materials (also known as "dye" or "x-ray dye"). Your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin or a blood thinner for a specified period of time days before your procedure.Prior to your procedure, your blood may be tested to determine how well your kidneys are functioning and whether your blood clots normally.You may be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. Your doctor will tell you which medications you may take in the morning.
You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.

What does the equipment look like?

In this procedure, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound imaging, needle electrodes, an electrical generator and grounding pads may be used.The radiofrequency generator produces electrical currents in the range of radiofrequency waves. It is connected by insulated wires to the needle electrodes and to grounding pads that are placed on the patient's back or thigh.

How does the procedure work?

Radiofrequency ablation works by passing electrical currents in the range of radiofrequency waves between the needle electrode and the grounding pads placed on the patient's skin. These currents create heat within the electrode, which when placed within the tumor, heats and destroys the abnormal cells. Because healthy liver tissue is better able to withstand heat, radiofrequency ablation is able to destroy a tumor and only a small rim of normal tissue around the edges of the tumor. At the same time, heat from radiofrequency energy closes small blood vessels and lessens the risk of bleeding. The dead tumor cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue that shrinks over time.
Ultrasound or computed tomography imaging may be used to help the physician guide the needle electrode into the tumor.

What will I experience during and after the procedure?

Devices to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure will be attached to your body.
You will feel a slight pin prick when the needle is inserted into your vein for the intravenous line (IV) and when the local anesthetic is injected.The intravenous (IV) sedative will make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You may or may not remain awake, depending on how deeply you are sedated.

Pain immediately following radiofrequency ablation can be controlled by pain medication given through your IV or by injection. Afterward any mild discomfort you experience can be controlled by oral pain medications. A few patients feel nauseous, but this can also be relieved by medication.You will remain in the recovery room until you are completely awake and ready to return home.You should be able to resume your usual activities within a few days.Only about two percent of patients will still have pain a week following radiofrequency ablation.