Chemoembolization
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers chemotherapy directly to a tumor while simultaneously blocking the blood supply to the area. This technique is most commonly used to treat liver cancer, but it can also be applied to cancers in other areas of the body. The aim is to restrict the tumor's growth by cutting off its oxygen and nutrient supply while delivering high doses of chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells.
The procedure typically combines two approaches: chemotherapy, which destroys cancer cells, and embolization, a method that blocks blood flow to the tumor. During chemoembolization, a catheter is inserted through a small incision in the groin or arm and navigated through blood vessels to reach the arteries feeding the tumor. Once in position, a chemotherapy drug is injected directly into the tumor, followed by the injection of embolic agents that block the tumor’s blood supply.
Because the chemotherapy is delivered directly to the tumor, the surrounding healthy tissues are exposed to much lower doses of the drug compared to traditional chemotherapy, resulting in fewer systemic side effects. This localized approach maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment while reducing harm to the rest of the body.
Procedure Duration
The duration of the chemoembolization procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor and the patient's overall health. However, the procedure usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, which helps the patient remain calm and comfortable during the procedure.
There are several key phases involved. First, the interventional radiologist accesses the artery supplying blood to the tumor using image guidance. Then, the chemotherapy and embolic agents are delivered directly to the tumor. This process is closely monitored in real-time using advanced imaging techniques to ensure precision. Once the embolization is complete, the catheter is removed, and the incision site is bandaged.
Recovery from chemoembolization is relatively quick compared to major surgical interventions. Patients typically stay in the hospital for observation for 1-2 days following the procedure. During this time, doctors monitor for any immediate side effects, such as pain or nausea, and provide necessary medications for relief. After discharge, most patients can resume normal activities within a week, although some may need additional time based on individual responses to the treatment.
Benefits
- Targeted Therapy: Chemoembolization delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
- Reduced Side Effects: By localizing treatment to the tumor site, chemoembolization reduces the systemic side effects commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy.
- Non-surgical Option: This procedure is minimally invasive and offers a valuable alternative to patients who are not eligible for surgery.
- Prolongs Survival: In cases of liver cancer and other advanced cancers, chemoembolization has been shown to extend patient survival and improve quality of life.
- Improved Tumor Control: The combination of blocking blood flow and delivering chemotherapy simultaneously results in more effective tumor control.
Potential Destinations
- Germany: Known for its state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities, Germany offers advanced chemoembolization techniques backed by a strong focus on research and innovation. Medical tourists choose Germany for its highly regulated healthcare system and leading specialists in oncology.
- Turkey: Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for chemoembolization, combining high-quality medical services with affordable costs. The country boasts a growing number of hospitals offering this procedure, many of which are internationally accredited, making it a prime choice for patients seeking both quality and value.
- South Korea: South Korea is renowned for its cutting-edge medical technology and expertise in oncology. With advanced imaging and interventional radiology departments, the country offers top-tier services for chemoembolization. South Korea’s focus on personalized treatment plans ensures patients receive the best care possible.
- India: India provides cost-effective chemoembolization treatments without compromising on quality. The country’s healthcare infrastructure is expanding rapidly, and many hospitals offer specialized cancer treatments. Medical tourists often opt for India due to its competitive pricing and skilled medical professionals.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE is quickly becoming a hub for advanced medical treatments, including chemoembolization. The country’s hospitals are equipped with modern technology, and many healthcare providers are trained internationally, ensuring high standards of care for medical tourists.
Risks & Considerations
- Post-embolization Syndrome: Many patients experience flu-like symptoms after the procedure, such as fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain. This condition, known as post-embolization syndrome, is common and typically resolves within a few days.
- Risk of Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the catheter insertion site or in the liver following the procedure. Antibiotics are usually administered to prevent this complication.
- Damage to Nearby Organs: While chemoembolization is highly targeted, there is a small risk of damage to nearby organs or tissues if the embolic agents or chemotherapy drugs affect blood flow to unintended areas.
- Allergic Reaction: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure. This is typically mild and managed with medications, but in rare cases, it can lead to more serious complications.
- Kidney Damage: In patients with pre-existing kidney conditions, the use of contrast dye during chemoembolization may lead to further kidney damage. Doctors often take preventive measures to reduce this risk.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right doctor and hospital for chemoembolization is a crucial decision for patients. Start by researching doctors who specialize in interventional radiology and have extensive experience in performing chemoembolization procedures. It is important to choose a doctor with a proven track record of success in treating your specific type of cancer.
When choosing a hospital, look for facilities that offer advanced imaging technology and a dedicated oncology department. Internationally accredited hospitals or those recognized for excellence in cancer care can provide an extra level of assurance regarding the quality of treatment. Additionally, consider the hospital's location, recovery amenities, and support services for international patients when making your decision.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital
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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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