Revolutionary Treatment for Desmoid Tumours: Minimally Invasive Microwave Ablation
Dear patients and visitors,
I am Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş. As an Interventional Radiology specialist, I focus on improving our patients' quality of life using the most advanced treatment methods offered by modern medicine. Particularly in complex cases, minimally invasive approaches, as alternatives to surgery, both accelerate the recovery process and offer a much more comfortable experience for patients. In this article, we will delve into the groundbreaking microwave ablation method for the treatment of desmoid tumours.
What are Desmoid Tumours?
Desmoid tumours are rare, often benign but aggressively growing soft tissue tumours originating from connective tissue. They can appear in various parts of the body, especially in the abdominal wall, extremities, or torso. As they grow, they can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to pain, loss of function, and cosmetic deformities. While traditional treatment methods typically involve surgical excision, the increasing need for less invasive options is driven by high recurrence rates and morbidities associated with extensive surgery.
Microwave Ablation: An Innovative Approach
Microwave Ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that aims to destroy tumour cells by heating them using high-frequency electromagnetic waves. Using imaging methods such as Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a very fine needle-like probe is inserted into the tumour. The microwave energy transmitted through this probe vibrates water molecules within the tumour, generating heat and causing irreversible damage to the tumour cells, thereby eliminating them. This method allows for targeted destruction of the tumour while causing minimal damage to healthy surrounding tissues.
Advantages of Microwave Ablation Compared to Surgery
Microwave ablation offers numerous advantages over traditional surgery for the treatment of desmoid tumours:
- Minimally Invasive Procedure: Requires only a needle entry instead of large incisions, minimising surgical scarring and tissue trauma.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Typically a day-case procedure or requires at most an overnight stay in hospital.
- Rapid Recovery and Return to Normal Life: Patients can return to their daily activities much sooner.
- Lower Risk and Complication Rate: The risk of infection, bleeding, and pain is significantly lower compared to surgery.
- Cosmetic Outcomes: Offers more aesthetically acceptable results due to the absence of large incision scars.
- Tissue Preservation: Damage to surrounding healthy tissues is kept to a minimum, preventing functional losses.
Treatment Process: Step-by-Step Microwave Ablation
The microwave ablation procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Assessment and Planning: The patient's medical history, tumour size, location, and surrounding structures are thoroughly examined. An ablation plan is created using imaging techniques (MRI, CT, Ultrasound).
- Anaesthesia: The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and sedation (a twilight sleep state). This ensures the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
- Probe Placement: Under imaging guidance (typically CT or ultrasound), a very fine microwave probe is precisely advanced through the skin into the tumour.
- Ablation: Once the probe reaches the tumour, microwave energy is applied for a specific duration. This energy targets the tumour tissue, destroying it through thermal damage.
- Verification: During and after the procedure, imaging methods are used to confirm the effectiveness of the ablation and ensure the tumour is completely covered.
- Recovery: After the procedure is complete, the probe is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the entry site. Patients are usually discharged on the same day after a short observation period.
Who is a Candidate? Ideal Patient Profile for Desmoid Tumour Microwave Ablation
Microwave ablation can be a suitable option for many patients with desmoid tumours. Ideal candidates generally include:
- Patients who are not suitable for surgery or have high surgical risks.
- Cases where complete surgical removal of the tumour is difficult or would lead to significant functional loss.
- Patients with multiple desmoid tumours.
- Patients with tumours that have recurred after previous surgery.
- Patients with growing tumours causing symptoms (pain, compression).
Since each patient's situation is unique, this decision is made using a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account the tumour's characteristics, the patient's general health, and their expectations.
Expected Outcomes and Recovery Process
High success rates are reported for desmoid tumours following microwave ablation. The primary goal of treatment is to destroy tumour cells and alleviate symptoms by halting tumour growth. Post-procedure pain and discomfort are minimal and can usually be controlled with pain medication. Most patients can resume their daily activities within a short period. While the full recovery process varies from person to person, it is significantly faster compared to surgery. Regular follow-up imaging (MRI or CT) after treatment is crucial to assess the tumour's response and detect any potential recurrences early.
Dedicated Support for International Patients and Health Tourism in Antalya
Our clinic offers a comprehensive health tourism experience for international patients seeking treatment for desmoid tumours. Ensuring the comfort of our patients and their families throughout the treatment process, from start to finish, is our priority. Our professional team provides support with travel arrangements, accommodation options, airport transfers, and local transportation. With our multilingual staff, communication barriers are eliminated, and our patients feel secure and understood. Detailed information and guidance are provided at all stages, both before and after treatment, allowing our patients to focus solely on their recovery. We are committed to ensuring you have the best possible treatment experience with the high standards of service quality offered by Turkey's health tourism sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is painless as it is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. Mild pain or discomfort may be felt after the procedure, but this can usually be controlled with simple pain relievers.
How long will I need to stay in hospital?
Microwave ablation is typically a day-case procedure. Patients can usually be discharged on the same day after a few hours of observation. Rarely, an overnight stay in hospital may be required depending on the patient's condition.
What is the success rate of the treatment?
The success rate of microwave ablation for desmoid tumours is quite high. While it varies depending on factors such as tumour size, location, and the patient's overall health, effective tumour control has been reported in the literature.
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical procedure, microwave ablation has potential side effects, but these are generally minimal. These may include mild pain, bruising, or swelling at the procedure site. More serious complications (infection, bleeding, or injury to surrounding organs) are rare and are carefully managed by an Interventional Radiology specialist.
When can I return to my normal life?
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within a few days after the procedure. The full recovery period varies depending on the size and location of the tumour but is significantly faster compared to surgery.
How does the follow-up process work?
Regular follow-up imaging (typically MRI or CT) after treatment is crucial to assess the tumour's response and detect any potential recurrences early. These follow-ups will be arranged by me as part of your treatment plan.
Microwave ablation offers a promising, minimally invasive, and effective option for patients with desmoid tumours. For detailed information, please contact Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş. I wish you healthy days.