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| Home > Bloodless/Transfusion Free Surgery |
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Bloodless/Transfusion Free Surgery
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As far as possible we try to minimize the possibility of using blood or blood products. As remote as it may seem, blood can never be considered 100% safe. Despite all the fancy tests done on the transfusion units there is always a theoretical possibility of transmission of an unknown organism. Dr. Singh has published extensively on “blood conservation and transfusion free surgeries” and surgeries in the Jehovah’s Witness patient population. This continues to remain an important focus for his team.
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What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Microwave Ablation (MWA)?
As implied in the name “radiofrequency waves” or “microwave waves” are delivered through a needle tip are used to generate heat and kill tumor cells. The procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis or in conjunction with major surgery in the operating room and is usually done under the guidance of an imaging method such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scanning. A very small needle-electrode with an insulated shaft is inserted directly into the tumor. The energy at the needle tip causes ionic agitation and frictional heat in the surrounding tissue, which, when hot enough, leads to cell death and coagulation necrosis. The killed tumor cells are not removed, but are gradually replaced by scar tissue. Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are not a substitute for surgical resection but they can be extremely useful in carefully selected patients. The tumor is ablated by precisely delivered heat energy, leaving normal tissue intact. Ablation is performed via laparoscopic or open approaches, and can be combined with surgical resection. This can also be performed by the radiologist on an outpatient basis. Our surgeons use ablative techniques judiciously for procedures undertaken with palliative or curative intent.
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What is a Liver Resection?
Liver resection is “resecting or removing a portion of the liver”. This can often range from being a straight forward wedge resection to fairly complex resections where the whole lobe of the liver needs to be removed. The illustration enumerates the various types of resections that are commonly done. The key is to remove the tumor and yet be able to leave behind enough functional liver. Usually 30-40% volume of liver left behind is considered sufficient volume. Liver is one of the few organs in the body that regenerates back to almost 100% in volume in approximately 3 months. This allows for return to complete function of the liver, and also allows for repeated resections if deemed necessary in cases of recurrence.
Related Links:
Pancreatic Cancer
Liver Metastases
Laparoscopic/ Robotic Surgery
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