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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

What is a Radiofrequency Ablation?

  • Radiofrequency Ablation, also referred to as Radiofrequency Neurotomy, is a procedure used to manage types of chronic pain using radiofrequency energy to create heat.
  • The heat damages a small area of nerve tissue disrupting the function of the nerves, so that it can no longer transmit pain signals.

What is involved in a Radiofrequency Ablation?

  • Your procedure will involve you being given intravenous sedation by an anaesthetist to help you relax during the procedure.
  • It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in a hospital theatre or day procedure centre under specialised imaging guidance. This allows your doctor to safely place a needle near the nerves.
  • A radiofrequency electrode is then inserted and the position checked by administering an electric current. You may feel tingling, tightness or pressure in the area of your usual pain and pulsing in your muscles.
  • Local anaesthetic and/or steroid is then injected through the needle and the radiofrequency electrode is used to heat the nerve adjacent to the needle.

Before your Procedure

  • Blood thinning products may be required to be stopped prior to the procedure. You will be advised when to stop taking these medications and re-start these medications by your doctor when the admission date is arranged.
  • You can still take all your other regular medications the morning of your procedure with a sip of water. Insulin dependent diabetics will most likely be at the beginning of the list. You will be required to bring your insulin with you and it may be administered to you following the procedure.
  • Hospital staff will call you the day before your procedure to advise you of your fasting and admission times.
  • You must NOT eat, drink, smoke or chew gum prior to your procedure.
  • You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after your procedure.

After your Procedure

  • You will spend a short time in the recovery ward before being discharged home
  • Gentle activity and rest is recommenced for the first 24 hours post your procedure. You may then return to normal activity unless advised otherwise by your doctor or physiotherapist.
  • You may apply cold packs to your injection site for the first 24 hours following your procedure. After this time you may apply heat packs if you prefer.
  • The skin over the treated area may feel numb for a few weeks but will return to normal.
  • It is common to experience some increased pain in the days and weeks following the procedure and extra pain relief may be required during this time.
  • Remove your dressing 24 hours after your procedure and monitor the site until it has healed.
  • You can shower 24 hours following your procedure.
  • You are unable to drive for 24 hours following your procedure.
  • You may return to work the day after your procedure if you are feeling well enough.
  • It may take 4-8 weeks for pain relief to be achieved post RFA procedure.
  • On average, pain relief may last between 1-2 years as the nerves grow back. If the pain returns, the procedure can easily be repeated.

The advice above is intended as a guide and each patient should discuss specific instructions with their care team.