Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment Offered at Mercy Medical Center

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided technique that destroys abnormal cells. Using high-frequency electrical energy, radiofrequency ablation destroys the abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Radiofrequency ablation is performed in an outpatient setting.

Radiofrequency ablation is performed by inserting a thin needle through the skin and into the tumor. The high-frequency electrical energy that passes through the needle heats and destroys the tumor. This technique destroys the targeted cancer cells while protecting nearby healthy cells.

Radiofrequency ablation is most often used for small tumors of the liver and may be used in conjunction with surgery where patients have multiple tumors.

Patients who receive radiofrequency ablation typically experience the following:

• Fewer complications and risk
• Minimally invasive with no skin incision
• Minimal to little or no pain
• Shorter hospital stay