Pancreatic cancer treatment with ablation

Radiofrequency ablation of the pancreas refers to the “evaporation” of cancer by electrical action. During the treatment, healthy tissues are not damaged. Ablation is an effective alternative method to traditional pancreatic surgery. The ablation goal is to destroy the tumor in the pancreas and neighboring tissues around it, focusing at a distance of about 0. 5–1 cm. Planning before radiofrequency ablation allows the surgeon to insert an electrode into the center of the malignant formation. The success of the treatment depends more on the accuracy of the electrode installation. The maximum tumor death (necrosis) will be achieved if the electrode is installed in the center of the neoplasm. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and ultrasound control. After the anesthetic injection, four thin needle-shaped electrodes are injected into the pancreatic lesion. High-voltage electrical discharges are supplied through them. The current destroys malignant cell membranes, leading to their death. However, since electrical discharges do not damage connective tissues, the stomach, intestines, vascular walls, and nerves remain safe. The procedure takes from 10 to 30 minutes and does not require hospitalization. In the future, the patient will be regularly examined. With the recurrence of the oncological process or pancreatic cancer metastasis, it is possible to repeat the procedure.