ADVERSE EFFECTS
Any invasive procedure has risks. Based on experience, complications from RF ablation are uncommon, occurring in about 5 percent or less of patients.
When a tumor is destroyed local nerve endings may become irritated or some bleeding may occur. This can cause an aching, dull pain in and around the treated area. Many patients feel no pain and are symptom free after the procedure while others have discomfort requiring pain medication. Almost all patients are pain and symptom free within two weeks of the procedure.
The normal tissue nearby may be injured if heated. Organs that are commonly at risk of injury include adjacent bowel, gallbladder, bile ducts and diaphragm. If a significant local injury occurs, surgery may be needed for correction. However, this only happens about three (3%) to five (5%) percent of the time. The risk is very dependent on the location of the tumor and the structures that surround it.
In sammary, it is important to point out that
1) radiofrequency ablation remains experimental;
2) radiofrequency ablation is not a substitute for resection (surgical removal) whenever possible, as removal of the tumor is considered the "gold standard" for treatment in appropriate patients;
3) the chances of successful (complete) tumor destruction is about 75% ,less for tumors larger than 3 cm and more for tumors smaller than 3 cm;