RF Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation

Image-guided heat treatment through the skin

What is it?

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, uses heat to destroy a small target inside the body. An interventional radiologist places a thin needle electrode through the skin, using CT or ultrasound guidance. Electrical current at the needle tip heats the tissue, usually to about 60 to 100 degrees Celsius, and kills a controlled area around the tip.

It is used for some tumors in the liver, kidney, lung, or bone, and sometimes for nerves that carry pain. The needle is removed when the treatment is finished. It is not an open operation, and it is not the same as heart-rhythm ablation done in a cardiac lab.

Why do I need it?

RFA may be recommended when a small tumor needs to be treated and surgery is not the best option, or when a painful bone tumor or nerve is the source of pain. Reasons include:

  • Destroy a small tumor while sparing most of the organ
  • Treat a tumor when surgery, or more surgery, is too risky
  • Relieve pain from a bone lesion or from selected nerves
  • A treatment that can sometimes be repeated if a new spot appears

How do I prepare?

  • Medicines: Tell the team about blood thinners, diabetes medicine, and all other medicines. Some may be held. Do not stop them unless you are told to.
  • Allergies: Report allergies to contrast dye, numbing medicine, latex, adhesives, or antibiotics.
  • Eating and labs: You will usually be asked not to eat for several hours. We review blood counts, clotting studies, and recent imaging.
  • Implants: Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or metal implant. We place grounding pads on the skin for this procedure.
  • Support: Arrange a ride home. You should not drive after sedation. If you go home, a responsible adult should stay with you the first night.

How is it placed?

  • You lie on the procedure table. Monitors track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen. Sedation or anesthesia is commonly used.
  • The skin is cleaned and numbed. CT or ultrasound guides the needle electrode into the target.
  • The team places grounding pads on your thighs or back. The team heats the needle tip for several minutes. The team may reposition it to cover the whole target.
  • You may feel warmth or pressure if you are lightly sedated. Tell the team if you feel sharp pain.
  • The team removes the needle and applies a bandage. Treatment often takes 1 to 3 hours. You are watched in recovery. Some people stay overnight.

Care instructions

  • Keep the bandage on for about 24 hours. You may usually shower after that and pat the site dry. Do not soak in a bath or pool for a few days.
  • Soreness at the skin site and in the treated area is common for a few days. Use pain medicine only as directed.
  • Rest the day of the procedure. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several days, or as directed.
  • A low-grade fever, tiredness, or aches for a few days can be normal. This is sometimes called post-ablation syndrome.
  • Keep follow-up imaging appointments. Ablation treats the targeted spot. It does not replace the rest of your cancer or pain plan.

What to watch out for

Call your care team promptly if you notice:

  • Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking chills, or drainage of pus at the site
  • Pain that keeps worsening or is not controlled by the medicine you were given
  • Increasing redness, swelling, or bleeding that soaks the bandage
  • New shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough, especially after lung treatment
  • New weakness, numbness, or trouble walking after a spine or nerve treatment
  • Fainting, confusion, vomiting blood, or trouble breathing — seek emergency care