What are the side effects of a liver ablation?

Possible side effects after ablation therapy include abdominal pain, infection in the liver, fever and abnormal liver tests. Serious complications are uncommon, but they are possible. Newer ablation techniques in liver cancer are also being studied.

What are the complications of RFA?

What are the possible complications of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors?

• Shoulder pain.
• Cholecystitis (normally subsides after few weeks)
• Damage to the bile ducts, resulting in biliary obstruction.
• Damage to the bowel.
• Bleeding.
• Capsular hematoma.
• Hemoperitoneum.
• Pneumothorax.

What is RFA liver?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are treatments that use image guidance to place a needle through the skin into a liver tumor. In RFA, high-frequency electrical currents are passed through an electrode in the needle, creating a small region of heat.

Does liver regenerate after ablation?

Conclusions: Liver RFA triggers a slow but sustained regenerative response of the liver with subsequent delayed restoration of parenchymal volume, while the ablated volume is gradually condensed.

How painful is liver ablation?

The area where the needle or probe was put into your skin (the procedure site) may be sore for a day or two after the procedure, and you may have a bruise. You may have a dull pain in your belly or right shoulder for a couple of days. This is called referred pain.

What is the recovery time for a liver ablation?

Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.

What is the success rate of radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have successful nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if needed.

What is the recovery time for radiofrequency ablation?

There might be lingering pain for the first 1-2 weeks post-procedure, but most patients show a significant decrease in lumbar back pain. This is a minor pain that feels like a warm tender spot at the treated area. A full recovery can take about 3 weeks but normal activity can resume within that time if no pain is felt.

How long does liver ablation take?

Each radiofrequency ablation typically takes 10-30 minutes. Ablating more than one area requires more time. The entire procedure is usually finished in 1-3 hours. After the procedure, the patient remains in a recovery room until fully awake.

Can you drink alcohol after liver ablation?

You should avoid drinking alcohol for the first 6 weeks following your operation to give your liver a chance to repair itself.

Can ablation cure liver metastases?

Ablation therapy is also a treatment option for people who have liver metastases and can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Although ablation therapies do not remove tumors, they can cause complete remission, especially if tumors are 3 centimeters in diameter or smaller.

How painful is a liver ablation?