AIIMS Bhopal in the battle against cancer, interventional radiology offers hope and newer avenues for treatment. The cutting-edge technique gaining momentum is liver tumor ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that is transforming the landscape of cancer care. With its ability to effectively target and eliminate tumors while sparing healthy tissues, tumor ablation stands as a major hope for patients and families facing this formidable disease.
A 52-year-old female was diagnosed with Breast cancer, which had spread to the liver (called metastases). Rather than subjecting to liver resection, which is a major open surgical procedure, the patient underwent microwave tumor ablation. In this minimally invasive Interventional Radiology procedure, a small needle (Electrode/ Antenna) was inserted directly into the liver tumour under image guidance. Activation of microwave energy destroyed the liver cancerous lesion and the entire treatment was completed in less than 30 minutes. The procedure was done by Dr. Aman Kumar, Associate Professor and Interventional Radiologist, under the guidance of Dr. Rajesh Malik, Professor, and Head of the Department of Radiology, AIIMS Bhopal.
Unlike traditional surgery, which requires large incisions and lengthy recovery times, the tumour ablation procedure is minimally invasive, involving small punctures in the skin, through which specialized instruments are guided to the tumor site using imaging guidance by ultrasound or CT scans. This has less trauma to the body, reduced risk of complications, and faster recovery for patients.
Despite its remarkable benefits, awareness of tumor ablation remains relatively low. Raising awareness is therefore equally important to sensitize and to ensure that patients have access to the newly available better treatment options in cancer management.
The Interventional Radiology Treatment Center at AIIMS Bhopal is providing specialized minimally invasive treatments for various complex vascular and nonvascular diseases and for advanced Interventional Oncology treatment.
Executive Director and CEO AIIMS Bhopal Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh congratulated the treating team of interventional radiology and reemphasized the need for widespread awareness regarding the modern treatment facilities available at AIIMS Bhopal.