The RFA procedure is performed either percutaneously (through the skin), laparoscopically (through a scope) or with an open incision. In either case, the patient experiences minimal discomfort and most can go home the same day. After the patient is sedated and given a local anesthetic, the physician uses CT or ultrasound to visually guide a needle into the lesion. An array of wires, guided through the needle, spread out into the lesion in a starburst form to infiltrate the lesion. Some of these wires contain a tiny thermometer by which the temperature of the surrounding tissue can be measured. These wires are attached to a generator that produces alternating current in the controllable range of radio waves.				What Conditions is RFA Used to Treat? Current indications for RFA include: Primary (hepatocellular) Liver Cancer Secondary (metastic) Liver Cancer from colon,breast, gastric Am I a Candidate? Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used on patients with inoperable primary or metastatic liver lesions. Generally the lesions must be limited to the liver, although RFA may be used for relief of symptoms in patients with disease outside the liver. The ideal patient for RFA generally will have no more than three lesions that are no greater than 4 cm (about 1 ½ inch) in size. Based on review of the CT scan, the doctor will decide if it RFA is the appropriate treatment. What Can I Expect Pre & Post Op? Depending on the method used, recovery time will differ. If the percutaneous method is used, the patient is often able to go home that same day. With laparoscopic RFA, patients generally go home the next day. In an open approach an incision is made, general anesthesia is needed and the recovery period is a bit longer. Sometimes RFA is combined with other therapies, such as chemotherapy. The choice of continued therapy after RFA depends on several conditions, and should be discussed with the doctor. What are possible complications? The procedure is well tolerated with minimal complications.