CoxHealth uses microwave ablation to treat liver cancer

A CoxHealth doctor last month started using microwave energy to treat liver cancer.

Dr. Charles Woodall is using the Covidien Evident Microwave Ablation System to destroy liver tumors. The treatment, which can be performed laparoscopically, is an option for patients who can't have their tumors surgically removed.

Microwave ablation preserves the maximum amount of good liver tissue and does not have the same side effects as other treatment methods, such as radiofrequency ablation.

"With radiofrequency ablation, a common side effect is burns on the skin," Woodall said in a news release. "We don't see that with microwave ablation because the heat is generated in a different way."

During the microwave ablation procedure, a small antennae is inserted in the tumor, and the antennae is connected to a generator that delivers microwaves directly into diseased tissue.

"The tumor is heated to about 100 C, destroying the tumor," Woodall said.

The destroyed tissue is not removed, but it gradually shrinks and is replaced by scar tissue.

"We are really fortunate to have this technology here," Woodall added.

"I trained at the University of Louisville where we pioneered the use of this technology in the United States, and it's exciting that we are the first hospital in the area to offer it."