What to expect from tumour ablation for liver metastases

A specialist reviews the number, size and position of liver lesions, your general health and the cancer’s origin before recommending ablation. During the procedure, a probe is guided through the skin or placed during surgery. Radiofrequency or microwave energy commonly heats a tumour; cryoablation freezes it. You may receive sedation or a general anaesthetic. The team uses ultrasound, CT or another scan to position the probe and monitor treatment.

A treated area can remain visible on scans while it heals. Ablation may be combined with surgery, medicines or other local treatments, depending on the wider treatment plan. It does not remove every possible cancer cell elsewhere in the body.

Follow instructions about fasting, medicines and blood tests. Tell the team about blood thinners, allergies, diabetes and previous reactions to anaesthesia. Arrange transport and help at home if you are sleepy or sore afterward. Rest, drink according to your clinician’s advice and keep the puncture site clean. Tiredness, tenderness, bruising or a mild fever can occur for a short time. Keep every scan and blood-test appointment so the team can assess the treated lesion and liver function.

Contact the treatment team promptly for worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a fever that persists, increasing redness or discharge at the entry site, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, confusion, fainting or unusual bleeding. Seek emergency help for severe pain, breathing difficulty, collapse or bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure.

Ask which lesions can be treated, which ablation method is proposed, what anaesthetic is planned, how many visits are expected, how medicines should be adjusted, when normal activity can resume and how scan results will guide the next step.