What is Percutaneous Tumour Ablation?
Percutaneous Tumour Ablation is a cutting-edge, image-guided technique in which extreme heat delivered by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) is applied through a thin probe placed directly into a tumour through the skin under CT or ultrasound guidance. The thermal energy destroys tumour cells locally while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. It is an established treatment with curative intent for small liver cancers (HCC), colorectal liver metastases, renal cell carcinoma, lung nodules, and painful bone metastases in patients unsuitable for or preferring to avoid surgery.
Who is this procedure for?
Ablation is recommended for patients with primary liver cancer (HCC), colorectal or other liver metastases, renal cell carcinoma, pulmonary nodules, or bone metastases where surgery is not feasible due to tumour location, impaired organ function, or patient preference. It is also used as a bridge to liver transplantation to control tumour growth while awaiting a donor organ, or in combination with TACE for larger lesions to achieve complete tumour eradication.
How is the procedure performed?
- Pre-procedure CT or MRI precisely maps the tumour's size, location, and relationship to adjacent vessels, bile ducts, and bowel.
- The patient is given sedation or general anaesthesia for comfort and stillness during probe placement.
- Under CT or ultrasound guidance, the ablation probe is inserted through the skin and positioned accurately at the centre of the tumour.
- Energy (radiofrequency or microwave) is applied for a programmed duration typically 10–20 minutes creating a controlled zone of cell death that encompasses the tumour plus a surrounding safety margin.
- Real-time imaging monitors the ablation zone throughout treatment to confirm adequate tumour coverage.
- A post-procedure CT or MRI at 4–6 weeks confirms complete ablation; regular surveillance imaging is then scheduled every 3–6 months.
