What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is the method that uses electric current for heating the minor area of the nervous tissue. It stops the passing of the nerve signals and so the pain can be prevented. This procedure highly benefits patients with neck pain and back pain. The fibroids in the uterus can also be removed by radiofrequency ablation. This method is seen as the best alternative when other procedures like radiation therapy, palliative surgery, chemotherapy, analgesic medications, and bisphosphonates are unhelpful. The other name for radiofrequency ablation is radiofrequency neurotomy. Though there are side effects related to radiofrequency ablation, it is effective in its minimally invasive way.
How Is Radiofrequency Ablation Done?
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The procedure of radiofrequency ablation requires specific preparations before the starting of the process. Initially, the patient is asked for a detailed medical and drug history. If the patient is under any anticoagulation medications, then the patient will be asked to stop those medications before the surgery. The patient should refrain from the usage of tobacco and other related products.
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The patient will be asked to wear a hospital gown, and the patient is made to lie flat on the stomach. A comfortable x-ray table is used for this purpose. An IV-intravenous line is administered to the patient for the delivery of medications. The doctor will provide anesthesia for causing numbness in the involved site. After this, insertion of the radiofrequency needles are planned. An instrument called a fluoroscope is used by the doctor to target the required nervous tissue. A small range of radiofrequency current is passed through the nerve tissues. Some patients experience a tingling sensation during this procedure that might help detect the appropriate site of operation.
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After the completion of the procedure, the patient will be shifted to another room for adequate rest. In most cases, the patient can be discharged on the same day of the process. There are chances for the soreness to occur on the site of injection. This might prolong for one or two days. The patient is limited from driving, and so alternate arrangements are to be made.
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After getting discharged from the hospital, you have to place ice packs on the site of injection. The soreness area can be treated well with an ice pack for 15-20 minutes. During the first day of discharge, you have to apply an ice pack three to four times a day and then gradually reduce it the next day.
What Are the Precautionary Measures to Be Followed After the Procedure?
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You can consume liquids such as fruit juices and beverages after the completion of the procedure.
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You can refrain from taking a bath for one or two days.
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You can continue taking your regular food in a balanced manner.
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Do not involve yourself in heavy workouts and exercises for a week. It is good to skip your gym classes till you feel comfortable.
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If you notice pain or swelling even after 48 hours, you need to consult your doctor again for safety reasons.
What Are the Side Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation?
The side effects of radiofrequency ablation are:
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Numbness in the treated site and it is usually temporary.
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Pain at the site of the procedure.
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Infection.
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Bleeding: Even though radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, a certain degree of bleeding is unavoidable.
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Damages in the nerves.
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Bruising and swelling in the involved site.
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Numbness in the leg.
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Discomfort in the back.
Can Radiofrequency Ablation Help in Treating Tumors?
Radiofrequency ablation is very helpful in the treatment of tumors. This might involve tumors in the bone, kidney, lungs, and liver. After the doctor makes the diagnosis, a special probe for radiofrequency ablation is inserted inside the tumor. When this probe is placed on the required area of the tissue, the radiofrequency waves might help in the destruction of the tumor. This procedure is very technique sensitive and might require help from highly qualified professionals. Radiofrequency ablation is useful for both primary tumors and secondary tumors. The patient may be asked to stay in the hospital for a while when they are getting treated for tumors.
Initially, radiofrequency ablation was formulated to treat osteoid osteoma. In some cases, Radiofrequency ablation is performed along with chemotherapy. In liver cancer patients, the method of radiofrequency ablation is performed along with chemotherapeutic agents so that the drugs can be administered along with the radiofrequency waves.
Can Radiofrequency Ablation Help in Treating Varicose Veins?
The most commonly used method to treat varicose veins is stripping and acupuncture. The branch of varicose veins are cured with the help of procedures like foam sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy. Stripping has a high success rate, but if it is not suitable, then radiofrequency ablation is the best option. The advantage of radiofrequency ablation over stripping is that the intensity of the invasive mechanism is relatively low. The involved vein that is causing pain is treated with the help of radiofrequency procedures that take help from ultrasound guidance and radiofrequency catheter. A radiofrequency catheter is a precise tool that is inserted into the vein that is abnormal.
Can Radiofrequency Ablation Treat Sleep Disorders?
The usage of radiofrequency ablation in procedures for sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea is noted. According to the reports from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, radiofrequency ablation can be used in selected patients. Radiofrequency ablation does not require very high temperatures.
How Effective Is Radiofrequency Ablation in Pain Management?
It is true that radiofrequency ablation is efficient in pain management. But, the rate at which this procedure cures the pain is not constant. Temporary relief is definite in radiofrequency ablation. The relief provided by this procedure can last for six months to one year. However, pain is known to recur after a few months. Radiofrequency ablation is considered a safe procedure for treating a vast range of painful conditions.
Conclusion:
Radiofrequency ablation might not be a suitable procedure for all patients. It would be best if you had a thorough examination before going for it. You can also get help from online doctors and talk to the expert panel.
