Ablation Therapy

Ablation treatment is a minimally invasive method used to eliminate abnormal tissues found in the case of various illnesses. This technique could be used, for example, to destroy a tiny portion of heart tissue responsible for irregular rhythms of the heart. Ablation therapy is most commonly used for tumours of the

• Kidney
• Liver
• Lung
• Painful bone tumours

Alternate Name

Ablative procedure.

Body Location

The procedure is performed in the lung, heart, bones, liver, and kidney.

Procedure Type

Minimally invasive procedure.

How is Ablation Therapy Performed

The catheter ablation technique uses a balloon catheter which is placed into the blood vessel, commonly in the groin, neck, or forearm. The catheter or the needle is threaded until it reaches the heart. Imaging guidance like CT, MRI, or ultrasound may be utilised to examine the tip of the catheter when it is being inserted.

The electrode at the tip of the catheter sends out radio waves creating heat which helps destroy abnormal tissues. The doctor may employ a cold to damage the cardiac tissue in some cases.

Percutaneous tumour ablation refers to a group of procedures that use needles inserted through the skin to eliminate tumour tissue.

Ablation therapy uses physical agents (thermal and non-thermal), chemical agents (absolute ethanol), liquified gases (liquid nitrogen or argon), etc. to destroy the abnormal tissues in the body.

Preparation for Ablation Therapy

• The location and size of the tumour and the patient's clinical status determine whether or not the patient is a good candidate for this procedure.
• Before the ablation therapy, you may need blood testing or other diagnostic tests.
• Fasting is required before undergoing ablation therapy. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, keep taking your regular medications. Patients who use a blood thinner may need to skip it temporarily.
• Wearing jewellery to the clinic or hospital before the ablation therapy is not recommended.
• The procedure can be done in a hospital or an outpatient setting.
• Before the operation, you may be anaesthetised. If necessary, a section of skin might be shaved and sanitised. To numb the skin where the catheter or needle will be inserted, you may be administered a local anaesthetic. In rare situations, the patient is given general anaesthesia and is not awake during the treatment.

Follow Up

Regardless of the type of ablation procedure, your healthcare professional will likely arrange a follow-up visit for you. Between discharge and your follow-up visit, you will be given instructions on when and how to contact the medical professional and other instructions.

If the condition recurs, the ablation surgery may have to be repeated. Following the ablation therapy, your doctor will see you every three months for follow-up visits. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI, or CT) monitors the affected organs, such as the prostate, kidney, or heart, to detect a suspected tumour recurrence.

If the tumour returns or the treatment is unsuccessful, ablation therapy might be repeated. Also, after a catheter or cardiac ablation, you may have to wait 3 to 6 months to know if the operation was successful.

Physical therapy appointments may be required for more acute ablation treatments such as cardiac or brain ablations. Endometrial and urinary bladder ablations and more peripheral ablations for varicose veins require far less follow-up treatment and physical therapy.

Risks of Ablation Therapy

• Ablation therapy comes with various risks depending on the type of procedure and the severity of the ailment. The procedure is usually safe, posing relatively few risks.
• In almost all types of ablation therapy, check for bleeding and pain in the area that the procedure was performed. Medications for post-surgery discomfort may be prescribed by your healthcare professional.
• Bruising and tenderness in the parts of the legs where the local anaesthetic was given may occur in patients who have endovenous ablation. Swelling of the leg or ankle, discoloration, and a tight sensation in the legs are common side effects of this procedure.

Recovery

Ablation surgery recovery is usually rapid and mainly consists of controlling the pain and bleeding. Your recovery time depends on the type of ablation procedure. You will be able to resume your normal routine in the weeks following your ablation.

You may still feel the effects of the ablation therapy a few weeks after the surgery, such as a fluctuation in heart rhythm, in the case of a cardiac ablation, or continued bleeding after endometrial ablation. These side effects can be treated upon the guidance of your physician in the instance of cardiac ablation.

For some time, avoid intense or strenuous activities. After endometrial ablation, many women have vaginal discharge or bleeding, lasting approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Consult with your heart doctor to determine how long you must wait before resuming your regular activities. If you have a high temperature, pain, vomiting, profuse bleeding, or other abnormal symptoms, consult your healthcare provider immediately.