What to Expect from Radiofrequency Ablation
If you are determined to be a good candidate for RFA, your care team will walk you through any preparation steps before the procedure. These may include fasting beforehand or adjusting insulin dosage if you have diabetes. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the treatment area and keep you comfortable. The physician uses a live X-ray to guide a thin needle to the precise location where the pain is originating. A microelectrode is then passed through the needle and radiofrequency energy is applied to disrupt the targeted nerve. You may notice a mild sensation during treatment. This process is repeated as needed until the relevant nerves have been addressed.
The entire procedure typically takes approximately 30 minutes, though the duration can vary depending on how many nerves need to be treated and which type of RFA is performed. While the duration of pain relief can vary from patient to patient, many patients experience relief for 6 to 12 months after treatment, and in some cases relief may last longer. After the procedure, patients are able to walk on their own, but driving and strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 24 hours. Most patients are able to return to their normal routines after that period.
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