Treating Cancer with Radiofrequency Ablation
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 Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) |
| What to Expect During Treatment |
| Benefits of RFA |
| Relieving Pain with RFA |
| Complications from RFA |
| Learn More |
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| Interventional Radiologists are leading the way in performing non-invasive procedures to treat cancers that once required open surgeries. These new treatment options hold the promise of less pain, quicker recoveries and a better quality of life. |
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
One of the most effective of these new non-invasive procedures – particularly for people who cannot be treated surgically – is RFA, a technique in which a thin tube, called a catheter, is inserted through the skin to the site of the tumor. Heat is then delivered through the catheter, killing the diseased cells, but leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.
Leaving healthy tissue unharmed is one of the great advantages of localized treatments like RFA. That’s because systemic treatments such as chemotherapy– treatments that travel through the entire body – sometimes cannot be given in doses high enough to kill cancer cells because of their intolerable or life-threatening side effects.
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What to Expect During Treatment
Your comfort is of primary concern to all of us at Sarasota Interventional Radiology. We understand that this can be a difficult time and treatment – even non-invasive treatment – can be stressful. That’s why we want you to know what you can expect during your visits with us. The better informed you are, the more comfortable you’ll be. Of course, if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to address any concerns you have.
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Your 1st Appointment
Located in a serene setting on Cattleman near University just east of US 75, Sarasota Interventional Radiology is located on the first floor of the new Axcess Center.
We suggest arriving about 15 minutes before your appointment. You’ll be greeted by one of our two patient advocates. Highly trained and compassionate, these advocates will collect all your pertinent information and work with your insurance company.
You’ll then have a consultation with Dr. Grubbs, where he will review your medical history and discuss your planned course of treatment, taking you through the process step by step so you are informed and aware.
Before leaving the office, you’ll receive written instructions on how to prepare for your treatment.
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The Night Before Your Procedure
Here’s what you need to do the night before to prepare for your procedure. It’s important you follow these instructions carefully, or it will be necessary to cancel your treatment that day. More importantly, failure to follow these instructions could be dangerous.
- Have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to your procedure.
- Take all of your normal medications before 8am with only one ounce of water. Do not take anything else or we will have to cancel your treatment that day.
- Bring a list of all your current medications and the doses you are taking.
- If you have an inhaler at home, you must bring it with you when you come in for your procedure.
- If you are a diabetic, start your medication once you resume your diet.
- If you are a diabetic taking insulin, wait until you have eaten to use your insulin.
- You cannot drive after your procedure for the remainder of the day. You must make arrangements to have someone drive you home.
- Please leave all your valuables at home. You won’t need them.
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The Day of Treatment
A nurse and board-certified anesthesiologist will prep you for your treatment. You’ll be administered what is called “conscious sedation”, which will allow you to wake up right away after your procedure – another of the benefits of minimally invasive treatment. Of course, in the extremely rare circumstance of complications occurring, Dr. Grubbs is always available. |
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After Treatment
Discharge instructions will vary, depending on the procedure you had. It is essential you follow these instructions carefully.
In the days following your procedure, you may feel a degree of tenderness at the site where the catheter entered. This is perfectly normal. Generally there is little or no bleeding around the site and the tenderness will pass. If there the tenderness continues, if there is bleeding or excessive oozing from the site, call us, or your referring physician, immediately.
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Benefits of RFA
While not a cure, RFA can be combined with other treatment options, used before or after surgery or radiation and in addition to treatments such as chemotherapy.
Currently, RFA is used to:
- Provide a local treatment option when surgery isn’t possible or is too risky.
- Shrink large tumors to a size that makes it possible to remove them surgically.
- To relieve pain and suffering and improve the quality of life for those with cancer.
Among the benefits RFA treatment offers are that:
- It can be done as an outpatient procedure, which means recoveries are quicker and hospital stays, when needed, are shorter.
- It is less risky and has fewer complications than surgery.
- It can usually be performed using a local anesthesia.
- Normal activities can be resumed within a few days.
- It can be repeated as needed.
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Relieving Pain with RFA
While tumors themselves are not painful, when they interfere with organs or press against nerves they can cause nearly unbearable suffering. Because it shrinks tumors, RFA has proved an effective treatment against debilitating pain.
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Complications from RFA
Studies report that complications from RFA occur in only 1 to 4% of patients, depending on the type of cancer treated and the patient’s overall health. Most of these complications are minor and clear up on their own. And because there is no open wound, infections are exceedingly rare and there is virtually no chance of blood loss as there is with surgery. Pain is minimal and any discomfort can be treated with medications. |
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Learn More
Discover how RFA is being used to treat these cancers:
www.bostonsciencetific.com
www.ritamedical.com
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