Radiofrequency ablation: a review of current knowledge, therapeutic perspectives, complications, and contraindications

Ablation is the thermal or chemical therapy applied directly to the tissue to cause heat induced cell death. The most popular ablative procedure is radiofrequency which is used to treat certain types of benign neoplasms. Radiofrequency ablation consists of heating the tumor by exposing it to a varying electric field applied using electrodes. The electric field causes the oscillation of free charges and ions through the tissue, producing currents and consequently resistive heating. The radiofrequency ablation uses needle-type electrodes that are introduced directly into liver tumors through laparotomy, laparoscopy, or radiologically guided percutaneously.