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Liver Resection
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Liver Resection
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Or Microwave Ablation (MWA)
Laparoscopic & Robotic Liver Resection
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> Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Or Microwave Ablation (MWA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Or Microwave Ablation (MWA)
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Microwave Ablation (MWA)?
As implied by the name, “radiofrequency waves” or “microwave waves” are delivered through a needle tip and 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. 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.
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. The 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 the liver to return to complete function, and also allows for repeated resections if deemed necessary in cases of recurrence.
Colorectal Liver Metastases
Colorectal cancer often metastatizes (spreads through the blood stream) to the liver and can occur at the time of diagnosis of the colon/ rectal cancer or sometimes couple of months/years after the primary cancer has been successfully treated. It is one of the commonest metastases to the liver. We offer a comprehensive evaluation and an individualized treatment plan for each patient presenting with liver metastases. The patient often receives chemotherapy followed by liver resection to remove all visible (macroscopic) disease and then a few more cycles of chemotherapy after surgery to eliminate non-visible (microscopic) disease. This is now considered the standard of care.
Related Links:
When is a Liver Resection done?
Can Liver Surgery by Laparoscopically/ Robotically?
Liver Metastases?