Name of the Procedure:

Laparoscopy, surgical, ablation of 1 or more liver tumor(s); radiofrequency

Summary

This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses laparoscopic techniques combined with radiofrequency energy to destroy one or more liver tumors. It involves small incisions and guided instruments to target and ablate the tumors, helping to minimize damage to surrounding tissue.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this procedure is to treat liver tumors, which may be benign or malignant. The goal is to reduce tumor size, eliminate cancerous cells, and prevent the progression of liver disease while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible.

Indications

• Presence of liver tumors (benign or malignant)
• Patients with liver cancer not suitable for surgical resection
• Metastatic liver cancer
• Failure of other treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure
• Adjusting or discontinuing certain medications as advised by the physician
• Pre-operative blood tests and imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans
• Anesthesia assessment and consent form completion

Procedure Description

1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. Small incisions (usually 3-5) are made in the abdominal area.
3. A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted to visualize the liver.
4. Specialized instruments are inserted through the incisions to locate the tumors.
5. Radiofrequency ablation probes are placed in or near the tumor.
6. High-frequency energy is applied to heat and destroy the tumor cells.
7. Instruments are removed, and incisions are closed with sutures or staples.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number and size of the tumors.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital's surgical suite or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• General surgeon or hepatic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurse
• Operating room technician

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision sites
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Liver failure in rare cases
• Adjacent organ damage
• Post-procedure pain
• Tumor recurrence

Benefits

• Minimally invasive with quicker recovery time compared to open surgery
• Precise targeting of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissues
• Alleviation of symptoms related to liver tumors
• Potentially prolongs survival in cancer patients

Recovery

• Patients are monitored in a recovery room immediately after surgery.
• Hospital stay of about 1-2 days.
• Pain management with prescribed medications.
• Instructions on wound care and activity limitations.
• Follow-up appointments for imaging studies to assess the treatment’s effectiveness.

Alternatives

• Surgical resection of the liver tumor
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Percutaneous ethanol injection
• Microwave ablation
• Pros and cons of alternatives depend on specific patient factors and the nature of the tumors.

Patient Experience

• Patients typically experience discomfort at the incision sites and mild to moderate pain managed with medication.
• Some level of fatigue and reduced physical activity is common for the first few weeks.
• Regular monitoring and follow-up to ensure proper healing and tumor response to the treatment.