Radiofrequency lung tumor ablation (RFA) | Uniclinic Frankfurt, Germany

Radiofrequency tumor ablation is a minimally invasive treatment method used to treat primary and secondary lung tumors. During this procedure, a special needle is inserted into the tumor under the guidance of a CT scan. Electricity is applied through the needle to generate heat in the needle tip, which heats and destroys the tumor tissue adjacent to the tip of the needle. This therapy is primarily used for "bronchial carcinomas" or lung cancer, as well as for lung metastases caused by breast or colon cancer. Compared to surgical therapy, this type of therapy can preserve more functional tissue in patients who have lung cancer, which can improve their quality of life, especially for those with limited lung capacity. In most cases, radiologists prefer the gentler percutaneous puncture method, which involves pushing a needle through the skin to the location where the therapy will be carried out. This method is preferred because complications rarely occur, and only local anesthesia is required. After injecting the local anesthesia, a small incision of around 2mm is made in the skin, and the patient receives a sleeping pill via venous access. Under CT guidance, the needle is advanced into the target region, and then radiofrequency ablation takes place, heating the tumor cells. In the case of recurring tumors, so-called recurrent tumors, radiofrequency ablation can be repeated. The treatment time can vary between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the number and location of the tumors. To ensure that all tumor tissue has been destroyed, regular follow-up care is carried out every three months in the form of CT or MRI examinations. This helps to detect any new tumors or complications that may arise.