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Benefits and risks

Benefits and risks

When NICE looked at the evidence, it decided that there was enough evidence to know how well this procedure works and how safe it is. The 12 studies that NICE looked at involved a total of 4,003 patients.

Generally, they showed that microwave ablation is as good as another commonly used technique (radiofrequency ablation) at destroying a tumour. In both techniques, the tumour may not be completely destroyed or may come back.

The studies showed that the risks of the procedure included:

  • bleeding in the abdomen or liver, with 1 patient needing a blood transfusion

  • an abscess in the space left after the tumour was destroyed, needing treatment by draining through a tube and antibiotics

  • a fistula (an open channel between the liver and the surface of the skin) needing treatment with antibiotics

  • a blood clot in a vein to the liver, blocking the blood supply and causing damage to the liver

  • air in the chest cavity (pneumothorax) needing a tube inserted into the chest to remove the air

  • skin burns

  • blood in the chest cavity (haemothorax) needing draining through a tube.

NICE was also told about the possible risk of damage to the diaphragm (a muscle in the chest that helps with breathing) during the procedure.

If you want to know more about the studies, see the guidance. Ask your health professional to explain anything you don't understand.

  • Information Standard