How long can you live after liver ablation?
5-year survival is 80% to 90% for single tumours 2 cm or smaller, if treated with liver resection or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). 5-year survival is 50% to 70%, if treated with liver resection, liver transplant or RFA. Median survival is 16 months.
How successful is liver ablation?
In most studies, more than half of the liver tumors treated by ablation have not recurred. The success rate for completely eliminating small liver tumors is greater than 85 percent. Treatment-related serious complications are infrequent and discomfort is less than surgery.
Can ablation cure liver metastases?
Ablation therapy is also a treatment option for people who have liver metastases and can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Although ablation therapies do not remove tumors, they can cause complete remission, especially if tumors are 3 centimeters in diameter or smaller.
Can you live a normal life after liver resection?
You may also feel low in mood, but this will get better. It is important to keep as active as possible, but also to rest. You are likely to be back to your normal activities after 2-3 months and there are usually no restrictions on activities after this time.
What happens after liver ablation?
Possible side effects after ablation therapy include abdominal pain, infection in the liver, fever and abnormal liver tests. Serious complications are uncommon, but they are possible. Newer ablation techniques in liver cancer are also being studied.
How painful is liver ablation?
The area where the needle or probe was put into your skin (the procedure site) may be sore for a day or two after the procedure, and you may have a bruise. You may have a dull pain in your belly or right shoulder for a couple of days. This is called referred pain.