Thermal ablation patient smiling holding hand of physician
Thermal ablation patient smiling holding hand of physician
Theranostics

Thermal Ablation

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment used for many health conditions, including cancers of the bone, kidney, liver and lung. It can benefit people with early stage, small tumors or those awaiting liver transplant. Thermal ablation uses extreme heat or cold to destroy cancer cells.

What is thermal ablation?  

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive method of destroying cancer cells that can replace surgery. At UT Health San Antonio, we perform two types of thermal ablation. One uses extreme cold, the other extreme heat:

  • Cryoablation: Uses intensely cold temperatures delivered through a thin probe inserted into the unhealthy tissue to freeze the cancer cells. Our providers use this for bone, kidney and lung cancer.
  • Microwave ablation (MVA): Uses extreme heat from electromagnetic waves delivered through a needle to the cancer cells. Our providers use this for liver cancer.

Why choose us for your thermal ablation procedure

Thermal ablation is a complicated procedure that requires experienced interventional radiology doctors. At UT Health San Antonio, you have access to:

  • Highly experienced doctors: Our interventional radiologists perform thermal ablation procedures daily, so they have a high level of expertise.
  • Team collaboration: We work closely with your oncology team to provide seamless care.
  • Volume: We are one of the most experienced centers in the region for thermal ablation procedures. As a result, we receive many referrals from area doctors who are confident in our level of care.

What to expect with thermal ablation

Thermal ablation is typically done as an outpatient procedure, so most patients go home the same day. Cryoablation requires only moderate sedation, while MVA is done under general anesthesia.

The recovery time for thermal ablation is usually quick. You will need to remain at the hospital for a couple of hours for monitoring after your procedure.

Frequently asked questions about thermal ablation

How does thermal ablation work?

An interventional radiologist will put a needle into your skin through a tiny cut (incision). Guided by a CT scan or ultrasound imaging, your provider directs the needle into the liver cancer. 

The needle placement allows your provider to target cancer cells directly. The extremely high temperatures delivered through the needle destroy the cancer cells. Surrounding healthy tissue is untouched.

For cryoablation, extremely cold temperatures are used instead of heat.

What qualifies you for a thermal ablation procedure?

Thermal ablation is appropriate for people with:

  • Early stage cancer
  • Small tumors that are 3 centimeters in diameter or less
  • Tumors that cannot be operated on

Thermal ablation is also a treatment for people awaiting a liver transplant. In some cases, it may be used along with transarterial chemoembolization for people with larger tumors. TACE is another cancer surgery alternative, and it delivers chemotherapy into the tumor’s blood supply.

How do I prepare for my thermal ablation procedure?

Your doctor may request that you stop taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, blood thinners and nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before your procedure. You will also need to stop eating at midnight the night before. You can drink liquids without sugar up to two hours before thermal ablation.

Most people go home the same day as the procedure. You should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure. Your doctor will tell you whether you will need to stay in the hospital overnight or go home the same day.

What are the risks and side effects of thermal ablation?

The risks involved with thermal ablation are typically mild. Common side effects include:

  • Bleeding at the injection site
  • Flu-like symptoms (also called post-ablation syndrome), such as body aches and fever
  • Pain or discomfort

Rare risks include:

  • Infection in the lungs or skin
  • Nerve damage

Contact your doctor if symptoms seem more serious or persist for longer than a week.

What are the benefits of thermal ablation?

There are several benefits to thermal ablation, including:

  • Less invasive than surgery
  • Less costly than surgery   
  • Minimal effect on healthy tissue
  • Quick recovery 

Although thermal ablation does not remove tumors, it can sometimes lead to full remission. Talk to your doctor about your circumstances and expected outcome. 

Doctor shaking hands with smiling patient
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Thermal ablation requires a physician’s referral. Call 210-450-9731 to request an appointment with one of our doctors to determine eligibility. 

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