Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive technique that shrinks the size of tumors, nodules or other growths in the body. RFA is used to treat a range of conditions, including benign and malignant tumors, chronic venous insufficiency in the legs, as well as chronic back and neck pain.
How painful is RFA?
It’s not uncommon to feel some discomfort, superficial burning pain, or hypersensitivity in the area of the procedure. Some patients describe the feeling as similar to a sunburn. On average, this pain lasts no longer than 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Is RFA considered surgery?
Radiofrequency Ablation is a Minimally Invasive Non-Surgical Procedure. To be classified as a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure, the medical treatment must not involve removing any tissue or organs or involve cutting open the body.
What is RFA in healthcare?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) A procedure in which radiofrequency waves are used to destroy blood vessels and tissues.
What can go wrong with radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation procedure-related risks. Damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves during needle insertion resulting in excessive bleeding and/or irreversible neurologic damage causing long-term numbness and tingling. Heat damage to structures adjacent to the target nerve.
What is the success rate of radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have successful nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if needed.
What is the recovery time for radiofrequency ablation?
There might be lingering pain for the first 1-2 weeks post-procedure, but most patients show a significant decrease in lumbar back pain. This is a minor pain that feels like a warm tender spot at the treated area. A full recovery can take about 3 weeks but normal activity can resume within that time if no pain is felt.
What is the cost of radiofrequency ablation?
On MDsave, the cost of a Radiofrequency Ablation ranges from $2,240 to $4,243. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.
Is it normal to have more pain after RFA?
However, for some people, it can take up to two or three weeks after the procedure for noticeable relief to begin. You may even experience a small amount of increased pain in the days immediately following the procedure, due to the nerves being irritated; but that is a normal will decrease with time.
Is an ablation painful?
Following the ablation, you may feel: Cramping and discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps, for 1–2 days. Thin, watery discharge mixed with blood, which may be heavy for 2 to 3 days after the procedure and can last for a few weeks.
How long does nerve ablation procedure take?
This procedure is done in an operating room and takes between 20 minutes to 1 hour or longer depending on how many, and which, nerves are being blocked. If the nerve that is blocked is not the nerve that is causing the pain, your pain will not be reduced.
What if RFA does not work?
Radiofrequency is used only after conventional pain relief methods like medication and local nerve blocks have failed. If you have not found relief after using fulguration, you should contact a pain management specialist who can help you choose other options to treat your pain.
What is RFA test?
MeSH. D017115. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called fulguration, is a medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, tumor or other dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from medium frequency alternating current (in the range of 350–500 kHz).