Radiofrequency Ablation Of Primary Or Metastatic Liver Tumors

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure in which a probe is inserted into the center of a tumor and heated locally by a high-frequency, alternating current that flows from electrodes. The local heat treats the tissue adjacent to the probe, resulting in a 3 to 5 cm sphere of dead tissue. The cells killed by RFA are not removed but are gradually replaced by fibrosis and scar tissue. If there is a local recurrence, it occurs at the edge of the treated tissue and, in some cases, is retreated. Radiofrequency ablation may be performed percutaneously, laparoscopically, or as an open procedure.