Liver cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the liver cells. If not treated promptly and properly, it can be fatal. One treatment method that may be recommended by doctors is microwave ablation technology.
What is Microwave Ablation Technology?
Ablation is a minimally invasive treatment method used to destroy tumors using heat, cold, or radiofrequency energy, guided by imaging tools such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI.
The process involves delivering energy through a special needle inserted directly into the tumor.
There are two types of ablation for liver cancer, and one of them is microwave ablation (MWA). MWA uses microwave energy to heat up and destroy cancerous or tumor tissue.
Microwave waves generate high-frequency heat, which is stronger than the other commonly used method for liver cancer, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).
This allows MWA to reach a wider area of the tumor or cancer, enabling faster destruction of cancer cells.
Additionally, MWA is often considered more efficient for treating large malignant liver tumors or nodules located in hard-to-reach areas.
Microwave Ablation Procedure
Here is how the MWA procedure works:
- The doctor administers general anesthesia along with local anesthesia to ensure the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- A needle is inserted through the skin, guided by imaging tools such as a CT scan, to accurately reach the location of the tumor/cancer.
- Electrical currents flow through the needle, generating heat in the tumor until it reaches a high enough temperature to kill and destroy the cancer cells.
- The MWA procedure is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the type and number of tumors being treated.
Advantages of Microwave Ablation
Microwave technology for liver cancer offers several benefits for patients, including:
- Preserves most of the healthy surrounding tissue and can be repeated as needed
- Well-tolerated by patients
- Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days
- Easier than open surgery or systemic therapy for tumor removal
- Can relieve pain or other symptoms caused by liver tumors or cancer
- Guided by imaging tools, making it highly accurate in targeting liver cancer or tumors
- Can be combined with other treatment options if necessary
- Can shrink tumors to make them easier to remove through chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Microwave Ablation for Liver Cancer at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Now, Indonesian patients no longer need to travel abroad to receive liver cancer treatment using MWA technology. Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is equipped with this technology and a team of expert doctors trained in its use.
The MWA procedure at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is carried out by a team of experienced specialists. The Mandaya Liver Disease Center includes 4 professors, 3 hepatology subspecialists, 23 specialist doctors, and 7 multidisciplinary specialties ready to provide top-quality care.
In addition to MWA, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri also offers RFA ablation, which doctors may recommend depending on the patient’s specific needs and condition.
MWA procedures at the hospital are performed by Dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, a specialist in interventional radiology. He is also an expert in treating liver diseases using RFA and TACE methods for advanced-stage liver cancer.
Other Liver Cancer Treatments Available at Mandaya Liver Center
- Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): A procedure to treat liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) by injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels feeding the tumor.
- Liver Resection: A surgical procedure to remove part of the liver, commonly used for treating liver cancer, benign tumors, or liver damage caused by cirrhosis.
Advanced Facilities at Mandaya Liver Center
Mandaya Liver Center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology, including:
- Advanced Liver Lab (PIVKA-II, M2BPGI)
- Advanced Ultrasound Liver Elastography
- Advanced Liver Biopsy with EUS & ERCP
- Multiphase Liver CT Scan
- Liver MRI with Primovist & PDFF
- Digital PET/CT Scan
Want to Consult About MWA or Other Liver Cancer Treatments?
Feel free to visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and meet with our team of doctors.
To make your visit easier or to find doctor schedules, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play or App Store to help manage your visit, view queue numbers, and access other complete information.