Liver cancer is a serious condition that requires fast, precise, and technology-based medical treatment. With advancements in modern medicine, minimally invasive therapies such as HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) have emerged as innovative options to destroy tumor tissue without major surgery. However, the success of this therapy largely depends on the expertise and experience of the doctor performing the procedure.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is recognized as an interventional radiology specialist with strong expertise in utilizing HIFU technology to treat liver cancer. Through precise image-guided techniques and minimally invasive approaches, he provides patients with targeted, safer therapies tailored to each patient’s liver function condition.
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Profile and Practice Schedule of Dr. Sugianto, HIFU Expert for Liver Cancer at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. He has extensive experience performing minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat various diseases, including liver cancer. In every procedure, he utilizes imaging technologies such as ultrasound (USG), CT scan, MRI, and fluoroscopy to ensure high precision while prioritizing patient safety.
As an interventional radiologist, Dr. Sugianto is skilled in multiple liver cancer treatment techniques, including Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for liver nodules and tumors, as well as ablation procedures such as Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation and Microwave Ablation. These methods aim to destroy cancer tissue without open surgery, resulting in lower complication risks and faster recovery. In addition, he implements HIFU technology as a modern therapeutic approach that enables more targeted tumor destruction with minimal risk.
He completed his medical degree at Maranatha Christian University and continued his Radiology Specialist training at the University of Indonesia. With a strong academic background and in-depth clinical experience, Dr. Sugianto is committed to providing the latest minimally invasive treatment solutions to improve survival rates and quality of life for liver cancer patients.
Dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
How HIFU Works for Liver Cancer with Cirrhosis
HIFU is a non-surgical therapy that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy liver cancer tissue. For patients with cirrhosis, this method is particularly beneficial because it does not require incisions or major surgery, reducing risks to already compromised liver function. Below is a simplified explanation of how HIFU works:
1. Energy Delivered from Outside the Body
HIFU is performed without open surgery. The doctor places a special device on the skin surface, which emits ultrasound waves that penetrate body tissues and are directed precisely at the liver tumor.
2. Focused Ultrasound Targeting the Tumor
HIFU uses ultrasound waves with specific frequencies (approximately 0.8–3.5 MHz) that can be accurately focused only on the cancerous area. The process is monitored using imaging guidance such as ultrasound to ensure precise targeting.
3. Raising Temperature in the Tumor Area
When energy converges at a single focal point, it converts into heat. The temperature in the tumor tissue can rise above 60°C, sufficient to damage cancer cells.
4. Cancer Cell Destruction Through Thermal Ablation
The high heat causes protein structures within cancer cells to denature and coagulate. As a result, the cancer cells die, and the tumor tissue is gradually destroyed through a process known as thermal ablation.
5. Protection of Healthy Liver Tissue
Because the heat energy is precisely focused on the tumor, surrounding healthy liver tissue remains relatively protected. This is especially crucial for patients with cirrhosis, as preserving healthy liver tissue is a top priority.
With its targeted and minimally invasive approach, HIFU offers a more controlled and lower-risk therapy option for liver cancer patients, particularly those with cirrhosis.
Criteria for Liver Cancer Patients Eligible for HIFU
Not all liver cancer patients are immediately suitable for HIFU therapy. To ensure safety and effectiveness, doctors will evaluate patients based on the following criteria:
1. Diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
HIFU is most commonly used in patients with HCC, the most common type of primary liver cancer.
2. Advanced Cirrhosis, Including Ascites
Patients with advanced-stage cirrhosis, even those with fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), may still be candidates for HIFU. Since the procedure does not require major surgery, it is generally safer for patients with reduced liver function.
3. Tumor Size Is Relatively Limited
Tumors that are not excessively large and remain localized typically yield more optimal results with HIFU treatment.
4. Tumor Clearly Visible on Ultrasound
Because the procedure is guided by ultrasonography, the tumor must be clearly visualized to allow precise focusing of the ultrasound energy.
5. Tumor Location Allows Safe Access
HIFU may be considered for tumors located in the upper part of the liver or near organs such as the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, major blood vessels, or ribs. Although these locations can be challenging, with thorough preparation and specialized techniques, the procedure can still be performed with minimal complication risk.
Through comprehensive evaluation and careful patient selection, HIFU has become one of the promising modern therapies for controlling liver cancer without open surgery.
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and consultation with Dr. Sugianto more convenient, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp feature, Book Appointment service, or download the Care Dokter application from Google Play and the App Store to check queue numbers and access complete information.
