Microwave Ablation Treatment Offered at Mercy
The cancer surgeons of Surgical Oncology at Mercy offer microwave ablation as treatment of certain types of tumors. Surgeons work with patients to determine if microwave ablation is the right treatment for their type of tumor.
What is Microwave Ablation?
Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive technique used to treat tumors. Microwave ablation is most often used on tumors located in bone, soft tissue and major organs including the liver, lungs, brain and uterus.
How is Microwave Ablation performed?
With the help of a CT scan, a surgeon will determine the exact location of the patient’s tumor. The surgeon will then insert a small probe laparoscopically into the tumor. Extreme heat is generated by microwave energy to destroy the tumor’s cells.
Who should receive Microwave Ablation?
Patients who receive microwave ablation typically:
- Considered high-risk
- Have a tumor that requires precise removal
- Require less invasive treatment
- May require additional procedures
What are the benefits of Microwave Ablation?
Some of the benefits of microwave ablation include:
- Speed - the procedure can be completed faster, lowering the time a patient is under anesthesia
- Accuracy - using a CT scan to guide the surgeon can improve treatment accuracy
- Patient Pain - performing the procedure laparoscopically requires a smaller incision, reducing the level of pain to the patient