Oncology (Cancer)

The Oncology (Cancer-Related) Procedures our doctors can perform fall under one of these categories.

• Chemoembolization: direct application of chemotherapy drugs to a tumor while also blocking (embolizing) a blood vessel to reduce blood flow to the tumor.
• Chemotherapy Port Placement: installation of a port to ease chemotherapy administration.
• Paracentesis and Peritoneal Port Placement: installation of a port so that paracentesis may be performed more easily and more safely.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Tumors and Pain Relief: application of radiofrequency energy to destroy the nerves surrounding tumors caused by bone cancer.

Chemoembolization is a procedure in which chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to a cancerous tumor, most often in the liver. In addition to the chemotherapy drugs, the blood vessels feeding the tumor are embolized, reducing the tumor’s ability to thrive.

During the procedure, an angiogram is performed so that the arteries that are supplying blood to the tumor can be identified. The chemotherapy drugs are then delivered into the artery so that they move directly to the tumor. After the drugs have been delivered, polyvinyl particles are released in the artery to further starve the tumor of oxygen and nutrients.

Chemoembolization has several benefits over traditional chemotherapy: the drugs are injected directly to the tumor and are more concentrated, the drugs continue to affect the tumors for up to a month, there are fewer side effects because the drugs do not circulate through the body, and the tumors are starved of oxygen and nutrients because the blood supply is compromised.

Chemoembolization is a catheter-based procedure that our doctors perform at Good Samaritan Hospital. The procedure takes about an hour and a short hospital stay is expected.

For patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, a chest or arm port is often the most comfortable and convenient way to administer the chemotherapy drugs.

Subcutaneous venous ports are currently the preferred type of port because of their low infection rate and because they provide the greatest comfort for the patient. Placement of these ports has traditionally done via open surgery, but our doctors can use radiology imaging techniques to put the ports in more quickly and less invasively, resulting in fewer complications.

Chemotherapy port placement is a procedure that our doctors perform in our freestanding facility. The procedure takes about an hour and no overnight stay is required.

Paracentesis is a procedure in which excess peritoneal fluid that has built up in the belly is removed through a long thin needle.

Fluid buildup may occur once as a result of an injury or infection, but some disorders, such as cancer or cirrosis, may cause fluid to build up continually. When fluid buildup is chronic and paracentesis is required on a regular basis, a port may be installed to allow for easier removal of the fluid.

Paracentesis may be performed to relieve pressure in the belly or to gather peritoneal fluid for analysis.

Paracentesis is a needle-based procedure that our doctors perform in our freestanding facility. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and no overnight stay is required.

Paracentesis port placement is a procedure that our doctors perform at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. The procedure will take one or two hours, and a short hospital stay is expected.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses radio waves to destroy damaged or abnormal tissue. It may be used to close a damaged vein to force healthy veins to take over its function. It may be used to destroy cancerous tumors in the liver or lungs.

When RFA is used to treat tumors, a hollow needle is guided directly into the tumor using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) for guidance to ensure precise placement. Once the needle is in place, a set of tiny metal wires is extended and radiofrequency energy is applied.

When RFA is used to treat damaged or malformed blood vessels, the tiny metal wires are transported to the correct location with a catheter that travels through your blood vessels.

RFA for Pain Relief

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to treat the pain from tumors caused by bone cancer. The pain can be treated by using radiofrequency energy to destroy the lesions and immediately adjacent surrounding tissue, relieving the pain and allowing you to enjoy a pain-free life.

This needle-based procedure is performed at our freestanding facility in Dayton, Ohio, and requires no overnight stay.