Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Therapy of Liver
When do surgeons do RFA?
In the U.S., RFA therapy has become the ablation (tissue destruction) therapy
of choice among surgeons for treating liver cancer (HCC). The surgeon can
perform this procedure laparoscopically (through small holes in the abdomen) or
during open exploration of the abdomen. In some instances, the procedure can be
done without opening the abdomen by just using ultrasound for visual
guidance.
How is RFA done and how does it
work?
In RFA, heat is generated locally by a high frequency, alternating current
that flows from the electrodes. A probe is inserted into the center of the tumor
and the non-insulated electrodes, which are shaped like prongs, are projected
into the tumor. The local heat that is generated melts the tissue (coagulative
necrosis) that is adjacent to the probe. The probe is left in place for about 10
to 15 minutes. The whole procedure is monitored visually by ultrasound scanning.
What size tumor is treated by RFA?
The ideal size of an HCC tumor for RFA is less than 3 cm. Larger tumors may
require more than one session.
What is the benefit of RFA therapy?
This treatment should be viewed as palliative (providing some relief), but
not curative.
To read more about Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), please read the
MedicineNet.com Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
article.
Medical Author: Tse-Ling Fong, M.D.
Medical Editor: Leslie J. Schoenfield, M.D.,
Ph.D.
Last Editorial Review: 4/24/2002
- Ultrasound - Learn an ultrasound procedure, and conditions and diseases it assists in diagnosing and screening like tumors, cysts, heart conditions and more.
- Liver Cancer - Get information on liver cancer, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, staging, prognosis, treatment, and prevention.
- Laparoscopy - Learn about the laparoscopy (laparoscopic surgery) procedure used to treat digestive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract on MedicineNet.com
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