The new system is able to recognize tumors which were invisible until now. Image: Adrian Moser.
Many liver tumors have long been difficult or impossible to remove. Since 2015, however, it has been possible to treat these tumors by combining noninvasive surgical techniques, radiological imaging and a navigation system. For the first time, a new study by University of Bern and Inselspital, Berne University Hospital has impressively demonstrated the success of this technique. Every year, approximately 1,250 people in Switzerland develop liver cell cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Among other things, this type of cancer forms small tumors that are difficult to detect and access and could therefore not be removed using conventional surgical techniques. For some years now, surgeons and interventional radiologists have had a microwave ablation method at their disposal that guides a treatment probe from the abdominal wall directly to the tumor. Without reliable planning and instrument navigation, however, this method requires excessive care because it can injure major blood vessels or even the lungs.
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