Why is this procedure done?
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses an electrode and heat to destroy abnormal tissues in the body. This procedure destroys only the sick cells and prevents damage to healthy parts of the cell. Doctors may suggest radiofrequency ablation as treatment for a few conditions. These include: ‚
- Cancer or growths
- Part of the heart causing heartbeats that are not normal
- Large prostate
- Varicose veins
This procedure may be done through the skin or in a surgery. The type of ablation used depends on the illness and where the problem is. Your doctor will talk with you about what is best for you. ‚
What will the results be?
Removal of the small part that is causing the illness. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the procedure.
- If the ablation can be done through the skin, the doctor will clean and numb the area where the heat probe will go. The doctor will put the probe through the skin into the area that will be treated. The doctor will use ultrasound or CT scan to guide the probe into the correct area. The doctor will apply heat through the probe to remove the problem area.
- In a laparoscopic surgery, the doctor will make a few small cuts in the skin. The doctor will put a scope with a tiny camera through one of the small cuts. This will help the doctor see the site clearly. The doctor will put the probe through the other cuts directly to the area that will be treated. Heat will be applied through the probe to remove the problem area.
- In an open surgery, the doctor will make a long cut in the skin to expose the area that needs treatment. The doctor will put the probe to the area that will be treated. Heat will be applied through the probe to remove the problem area.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Sometimes, you will be able to go home from there. Other times, you will have to spend the night in the hospital. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Orders depend on the type of ablation you had.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Health ‚
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/procdiag/pra.pdf ‚
http://www.cc.nih.gov/drd/rfa/pdf/patients.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚