Percutaneous hepatic tumor ablation

Background and indications

This procedure is offered to treat certain liver tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases) when surgery is not the best option or as a complement to it. It targets tumors of small to medium size, generally less than 3-5 cm.

Benefits

This is a minimally invasive treatment that does not require opening the abdomen. Recovery is fast, with discharge often possible within 24-48 hours. Local tumor control results are excellent for appropriately sized lesions.

Procedure

Under general anesthesia or deep sedation, the radiologist inserts one or more fine needles through the skin into the tumor, guided by ultrasound or CT scan. The chosen energy (heat, cold or electrical current) is then applied to destroy the tumor. The procedure usually lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number and size of lesions.

Risks

Complications are rare but may include bleeding at the puncture site or within the liver, infection (abscess), injury to a neighboring organ (bowel, gallbladder) or, exceptionally, bile duct damage. Post-procedural pain is common but generally well controlled with painkillers.

Recovery and follow-up

A 1-2 night hospital stay is usually required. A CT or MRI scan is performed approximately 4-6 weeks after the procedure to verify complete tumor destruction, followed by regular imaging surveillance.

Practical information

General anesthesia. Hospital stay: one to two nights.