When patients hear the word “tumor,” many immediately assume that major surgery is the only option. However, with today’s modern medical advancements, there are minimally invasive alternatives such as interventional radiology, now available at RS Mandaya Royal Puri.
The hospital is supported by an experienced interventional radiologist, dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, who specializes in various procedures to treat tumors without surgery.
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The Role of Interventional Radiology Specialists
Interventional radiology is a branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats diseases, including tumors, using minimally invasive techniques. The procedures involve inserting small instruments such as catheters or wires from outside the body, guided by imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasound.
Often used as an alternative to surgery, interventional radiology can shorten recovery time and, in some cases, eliminate the need for hospitalization. Interventional radiologists are medical specialists who undergo years of training, residency, board certification, and fellowship programs to master these techniques.
In practice, they work closely with other specialists—including internal medicine, surgery, and oncology—to ensure patients receive the most accurate and effective treatment. Their role is vital in helping patients recover faster with less invasive methods.
Expertise of dr. Sugi in Treating Tumors Without Surgery
One of the main conditions treated without surgery by an interventional radiologist is liver tumors. At RS Mandaya Royal Puri, dr. Sugi performs several minimally invasive procedures such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Microwave Ablation (MWA), and Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE).
1. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA uses heat generated by high-frequency electrical currents to destroy tumor cells. With ultrasound guidance, a special needle is inserted directly into the tumor, delivering heat that burns cancer cells with precision.
Benefits of RFA:
- Proven effective, widely used in the US and Europe.
- Minimally invasive with no major incisions.
- Safe and accurate, sparing healthy liver tissue.
- Faster recovery compared to major surgery.
- Suitable for patients with inoperable tumors.
2. Microwave Ablation (MWA)
MWA employs microwave energy to generate intense heat that destroys tumor tissue. Using ultrasound or CT scan guidance, a thin antenna is inserted into the tumor, and microwaves are applied to eliminate it—often in just 10 minutes.
Benefits of MWA:
- Faster than RFA, with shorter anesthesia time.
- Can treat multiple tumors in a single session.
- Effective for larger tumors.
- Provides more patient comfort.
3. Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
TACE is a non-surgical treatment that combines targeted chemotherapy with embolization (blocking blood supply to the tumor). During the procedure, anticancer drugs are delivered directly into the blood vessels feeding the tumor, followed by embolic agents that cut off blood flow, allowing the drugs to stay longer and kill cancer cells more effectively.
Benefits of TACE:
- Stops or shrinks tumors in about two-thirds of patients.
- Results last around 10–14 months and can be repeated if needed.
- Can be combined with other therapies such as ablation, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
- Helps maintain liver function and reduce the risk of liver failure.
- Improves patients’ quality of life.
About dr. Sugianto Santoso at RS Mandaya Royal Puri
dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is a consultant interventional radiologist with extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating various conditions across multiple organs. Using advanced imaging guidance such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, he provides accurate and safe treatments, including for liver tumors.
He completed his medical degree at Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, and his radiology specialization at Universitas Indonesia. His expertise has made him one of the most trusted interventional radiologists at RS Mandaya Royal Puri.
In addition to liver tumor therapy with RFA, MWA, and TACE, dr. Sugi also specializes in RFA for thyroid nodules, as well as diagnosing and treating cerebrovascular diseases, including brain aneurysms, using advanced techniques such as Cerebral DSA, DSA Coiling, DSA Flow Diverter, and DSA Stent. His skills make him an integral part of the hospital’s comprehensive medical team.
Clinic Schedule of dr. Sugianto Santoso at RS Mandaya Royal Puri
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
For easier access, patients can schedule a consultation with dr. Sugi through the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store, to check queue numbers and access complete hospital information.
