Microwave Ablation in Delhi — A revolutionary advance in cancer treatment using precisely targeted microwave energy to destroy tumours without surgery, general anaesthesia, or a hospital stay. For patients with liver, lung, kidney, or other solid organ tumours who are not suitable candidates for surgery, microwave ablation offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative. At Edge Imaging & Diagnostics in Delhi, we offer microwave ablation using state-of-the-art technology guided by CT imaging.
Table of Contents
What Is Microwave Ablation?
Microwave ablation is a thermal ablation technique in which a thin antenna (probe) is inserted directly into a tumour and microwave energy is delivered to generate intense heat (60–100°C). This heat destroys tumour cells while sparing surrounding normal tissue. The destroyed tissue is then gradually absorbed by the body over the following weeks and months. The entire procedure is performed under CT or ultrasound guidance, without any surgical incision.
How Does Microwave Ablation Differ from Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Higher Temperature
Microwave ablation generates temperatures of 60–150°C vs 50–100°C with RFA. This higher temperature kills tumour cells more rapidly and completely.
Larger Ablation Zone
MWA creates a larger and more uniform ablation zone than RFA — treating bigger tumours more completely in a single session.
Faster Treatment
MWA sessions are typically 5–10 minutes per ablation vs 12–15 minutes for RFA — reducing overall procedure time.
Works in More Conditions
MWA is less affected by the ‘heat sink effect’ (cooling by nearby blood vessels) than RFA, making it more effective for tumours near large blood vessels.
Multiple Probes Simultaneously
Modern MWA systems allow 2–3 probes to be placed simultaneously for large tumours, treating them in a single session.
Who Is a Candidate for Microwave Ablation?
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) — especially tumours ≤5 cm
- Liver metastases (secondary cancers from colorectal, breast, or lung primary)
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) — especially in patients with single kidney or impaired function
- Lung tumours — primary lung cancer or pulmonary metastases
- Thyroid nodules — as an alternative to surgery for benign nodules
- Bone tumours — painful bone metastases
- Patients medically unfit for surgery (heart disease, elderly, poor lung function)
- Patients refusing surgery who want a less invasive option
- Recurrent tumours after previous surgery or ablation
Microwave Ablation Procedure at Edge Imaging
Step 1: Pre-Procedure Planning
A detailed CT or MRI is reviewed to map the tumour — size, location, proximity to vessels and bile ducts. A treatment plan is created specifying antenna placement, energy settings, and ablation duration.
Step 2: Anaesthesia
Microwave ablation is performed under local anaesthesia with IV sedation (conscious sedation) or general anaesthesia depending on patient preference and tumour location. This makes the procedure completely pain-free.
Step 3: Image-Guided Antenna Placement
Under CT or ultrasound guidance, the microwave antenna is inserted through the skin and positioned in the centre of the tumour. CT confirmation ensures the antenna tip is exactly at the target.
Step 4: Ablation
Microwave energy is delivered for 5–15 minutes. The temperature inside the tumour rises rapidly, destroying all cancer cells. A ‘heat ball’ of ablation is created that should encompass the entire tumour plus a 5–10mm safety margin.
Step 5: Post-Ablation CT Confirmation
A CT scan is obtained immediately after ablation to confirm the ablation zone covers the entire tumour. If needed, additional ablation passes are performed to ensure completeness.
Step 6: Recovery & Discharge
Most patients are observed for 2–4 hours and discharged the same day or the next morning. Follow-up CT or MRI is scheduled at 1 month and 3 months to assess treatment response.
Microwave Ablation Success Rate
- HCC <3 cm: complete ablation rate 90–97%
- HCC 3–5 cm: complete ablation rate 70–85%
- Renal cell carcinoma <3 cm: 90–95% complete ablation
- Lung metastases: 70–85% complete ablation
- 5-year local tumour recurrence-free survival for HCC <3 cm: 75–85%
- Results comparable to surgical resection for small tumours in experienced centres
Microwave Ablation Cost in Delhi 2026
At Edge Imaging, microwave ablation pricing depends on tumour size, organ, and number of ablation sessions. Approximate pricing: Single tumour ablation (liver/kidney): ₹25,000–₹60,000. Multiple tumour session: ₹40,000–₹1,00,000. This compares to ₹1,50,000–₹5,00,000+ for surgical resection of the same tumour. CGHS/insurance coverage may apply — confirm with your insurer.
Recovery After Microwave Ablation
- Most patients go home the same day or next morning
- Mild ‘post-ablation syndrome’: low-grade fever, fatigue, mild pain for 3–7 days — normal and self-limiting
- Return to light activity in 1–2 weeks
- Resume normal activities in 2–3 weeks
- Follow-up imaging at 1 month (CT/MRI) to assess ablation completeness
- Tumour marker blood tests (AFP for liver, CEA for colorectal mets) at each follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions for Microwave Ablation in Delhi
Q1. Is microwave ablation safe?
Microwave ablation has a complication rate of 3–8% in experienced centres. Major complications are rare (<2%). It is significantly safer than surgical resection, especially in elderly or medically frail patients.
Q2. Is microwave ablation as effective as surgery?
For tumours <3 cm in the liver or kidney, microwave ablation achieves outcomes comparable to surgical resection in terms of local tumour control and survival — with significantly less pain, blood loss, recovery time, and cost.
Q3. How many microwave ablation sessions are needed?
Usually 1 session per tumour is sufficient. Large tumours (>3 cm) may require 2 overlapping ablation passes. Patients with multiple tumours can have several tumours treated in the same session.
Q4. Can microwave ablation be repeated if the cancer comes back?
Yes — one major advantage of Microwave Ablation in Delhi is that it can be repeated if the tumour recurs locally or new tumours develop, unlike surgery which may not be repeatable.
Q5. Will I need chemotherapy after microwave ablation?
For liver HCC treated with ablation as curative intent, chemotherapy is generally not required. For metastatic disease (secondary cancers), systemic chemotherapy is often continued alongside ablation.
Q6. Does insurance cover microwave ablation?
Major health insurance policies cover Microwave Ablation in Delhi for cancer treatment. It may need prior authorisation. CGHS also covers ablation procedures at empanelled centres like Edge Imaging.
Q7. How long does microwave ablation procedure take?
Preparation: 30–60 minutes. Procedure: 30–90 minutes. Post-procedure monitoring: 2–4 hours. Total: approximately half a day.
Q8. Where can I get microwave ablation in Delhi?
Edge Imaging & Diagnostics in West Delhi offers expert Microwave Ablation in Delhi using CT-guided technique by expert interventional radiologists. Contact us for eligibility assessment and a treatment plan.
Book Microwave Ablation Consultation at Edge Imaging Delhi
If you or a family member has a liver, kidney, or lung tumour and are not suitable for surgery — or prefer a minimally invasive approach — Microwave Ablation in Delhi at Edge Imagingblation at Edge Imaging may be the life-changing option you need.
📍 Locations: Tagore Garden | Paschim Vihar | Moti Nagar | New Multan Nagar
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📞 Call or WhatsApp to book your appointment today.
For more information, explore our related guide: Biopsy Test in Delhi
For more information on this procedure, refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on medical procedures.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment advice.