Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases
Summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.
It replaces the previous guidance on Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of colorectal metastases in the liver (Interventional Procedures Guidance no. 92, September 2004).
Description
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the bowel (including the colon and rectum). In some patients, cancer cells could spread from the bowel to other parts of the body to form one or more ‘secondary tumours’, also known as ‘metastases’. For bowel cancer, most commonly secondary tumours occur in the liver.
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to destroy cancer cells in the liver. It involves placing one or more electrodes into the tumour. The electrodes are used to heat the tumour with the aim of destroying it. Radiofrequency ablation can be applied through the skin or during surgery.
OPCS code:
Details
Digestive system
- Associaton of Upper GI Surgeons (AUGIS)
- British Society of Interventional Radiologists
- Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons
Contact details:
(for general enquiries or comments)
Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
