The planning of the laser liver surgery is followed by an ultrasound examination during which it is possible to establish the relationship of the tumour with other structures in the liver.

A small tumour measuring 3cm requires only two needles, inserted one at a time about 1.5cm apart, larger tumours can be ablated but require more needles. The fiber optics through which the lasers travel are positioned into the tumour, and the lasers are then turned on and monitored in real time by the ultrasound, finally the lasers are removed with the cancer having been ‘melted’ away.

The procedure can be done under a local anesthetic and can be repeated if the cancer returns.

Radiofrequency ablation