About Tumor Ablation
Key Highlights
-
Minimally Invasive: Involves only small incisions, leading to less tissue damage and scarring.Reduced Pain & Discomfort: Typically results in significantly less post-operative pain compared to open surgery.Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients often go home within 1-2 days.listrongFaster Recovery:/strong Quicker return to normal daily activities and work./lilistrongLower Risk of Infection:/strong Smaller incisions reduce the exposure of internal tissues./lilistrongPrecise Targeting:/strong Allows for the destruction of tumor tissue while sparing as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
- Small kidney tumors (renal cell carcinoma), especially in patients who are not candidates for partial nephrectomy.
- Certain benign tumors (e.g., liver hemangiomas, renal angiomyolipomas) causing symptoms.
- Patients who are not ideal candidates for major open surgery due to age, overall health, or tumor location.
- As a palliative treatment to reduce tumor size and alleviate symptoms like pain or bleeding.
- Recurrent tumors in previously operated areas where repeat open surgery is high-risk.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT/MRI), and sometimes a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
- Discussion of all medications; you may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) several days before.
- Fasting for 6-12 hours before the procedure (nothing to eat or drink).
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after discharge and assist you initially.
- Informed consent process where the surgeon explains the procedure, benefits, and risks.
- Pre-operative shower with antibacterial soap as instructed by the hospital.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or Hematoma: At the incision sites or internally at the ablation site.
- Infection: Risk of infection at the incision sites or within the abdomen.
- Injury to Nearby Organs: Such as the bowel, blood vessels, or bile ducts.
- Incomplete Ablation: Not all tumor cells may be destroyed, requiring further treatment.
- Post-ablation Syndrome: Temporary flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and fatigue.
- Anesthesia Risks: Reactions to general anesthesia, such as nausea or respiratory issues.
- Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung (a specific risk for lung tumor ablation).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediately After: You will be monitored in a recovery room. You may have some pain, nausea, or shoulder pain (from gas used during laparoscopy), which is managed with medication.
- Hospital Stay: Typically 1-2 days for monitoring pain, vital signs, and early mobility.
- At Home: Rest is crucial. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for 1-2 weeks. Keep incision sites clean and dry.
- Diet: Start with light foods and gradually return to your normal diet. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Follow-up: Essential for monitoring recovery and treatment success. Includes imaging scans (CT/MRI) at scheduled intervals to check for tumor recurrence.
- Activity: Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 1-2 weeks, but full recovery may take 2-3 weeks.
-
Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
-
Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tumor ablation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with laparoscopic surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tumor ablation. MediFyr helps you compare laparoscopic surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tumor ablation compare across other countries where we have data.
Aarav Gupta, a 67-year-old retired engineer...
Aarav Gupta, a 67-year-old retired engineer with a complex medical history including hypertension, presented with vague abdominal discomfort and unexplained weight loss. Imaging revealed a 4 cm neuroendocrine tumor in the tail of his pancreas. Given its location and his overall health, open surgery posed significant risks. His surgical team recommended laparoscopic microwave ablation, a targeted approach to neutralize the tumor without a major pancreatic resection. Aarav was apprehensive but appreciated the data-driven discussion of risks and benefits. The procedure was technically successful, though he required a three-day hospital stay to manage pain and ensure his pancreatic enzymes remained stable. Recovery at home was gradual over three weeks, requiring a careful diet. Subsequent scans confirmed successful ablation with no complications. Emotionally, Aarav felt overwhelmed by the cancer diagnosis and feared a prolonged, debilitating recovery. The minimally invasive nature of the ablation allowed him to maintain his dignity and independence throughout treatment. The positive outcome filled him with hope and a sense of having successfully navigated a major health challenge with modern, precise medicine.
Laparoscopic surgeons for Tumor Ablation
Explore experienced laparoscopic surgeons who regularly perform tumor ablation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 23 Years Experience
- Laparoscopic surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 13 Years Experience
- Laparoscopic surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Laparoscopic surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Laparoscopic surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata