Device to treat pain in cancer patients AT RGGGH
TIMES NEWS NETWORK 16.02.2025
Chennai : A radiofrequency ablation (RFA) device, used to treat chronic pain in the neck, back, and joints, particularly in cancer patients, was inaugurated at Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital. Funded by a donation from the administrator general and official trustee (AGOT), it was dedicated to the public by Justice S S Sundar.
RFA therapy uses heat to destroy nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals to the brain. “RFA is considered when other methods of treatment, such as pain medication and physical therapy, are not successful,” said health minister Ma Subramanian. The procedure involves inserting a needle-like probe into the target area, where radiofrequency waves generate heat to destroy the nerve tissue. “This therapy can cost up to ₹1 lakh in private hospitals. Patients at RGGH who found no relief from drugs such as morphine will now benefit from this,” he added.
RGGH dean Dr E Thera-nirajan said the hospital submitted a request and made a presentation to the govt seeking funds for the RFA device. The AGOT board granted ₹42 lakh for the purchase. “RFA is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat a variety of conditions. Patients are likely to be pain-free for at least one year,” he said. The equipment can also be used to shrink or destroy tumours in vital organs such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Additionally, i t is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) by destroying small areas of heart tissue-causing the irregularities. “It is performed under local anaesthesia, and patients can usually go home the same day,” he said.
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