Interventional oncology · London
Microwave liver tumour ablation, private in London.
Percutaneous microwave ablation for HCC, colorectal liver metastases and selected secondaries - done by a consultant interventional radiologist with a high liver case volume, in a unit with a full hepatobiliary MDT.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A specialist interventional radiologist, in an HPB centre
Not a general IR list. A named consultant with a high liver ablation case volume, in a unit with a hepatobiliary MDT.
- 02
The right ablation for the tumour
MWA is not always the answer. For lesions near major bile ducts or bowel we recommend cryo, IRE or SBRT before you commit.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private microwave liver ablation costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner units. Send the imaging and MDT letter and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A percutaneous MWA session in our network: £6,500 to £12,000, home same day or one night.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDT case review and imaging opinion | £450 to £850 | 30 to 45 min | 48 hours |
| Single lesion MWA (up to 3 cm) | £6,500 to £8,500 | 60 to 90 min | Same visit |
| Single lesion MWA (3 to 5 cm) | £8,000 to £10,500 | 75 to 120 min | Same visit |
| Multi-lesion or multi-antenna MWA | £9,500 to £12,000 | 90 to 150 min | Same visit |
| Combined MWA plus TACE (bridge to transplant) | £11,000 to £15,500 | Half day | One night stay |
| Second-opinion review of imaging and MDT plan | £300 to £550 | 30 min | 48 hours |
Prices are all-inclusive of guidance imaging, general anaesthesia and disposable microwave probes. They vary by unit, by which interventional radiologist does the case, by tumour size and by the number of antennae required. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
What it is
A minimally invasive way to destroy a liver tumour with heat.
A thin microwave antenna is placed through the skin into the tumour under ultrasound or CT guidance, then a 2.45 GHz field heats the tissue above 100C in a few minutes.
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Percutaneous antenna placement
A 14 to 16 gauge microwave antenna is passed through the skin into the tumour under real-time ultrasound or CT guidance - no incision, no scar of note.
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2.45 GHz electromagnetic energy
The generator drives a high-frequency electromagnetic field around the antenna tip. Water molecules in the tumour oscillate rapidly, producing heat above 100C.
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Coagulative necrosis in minutes
A 5 to 15 minute cycle creates a predictable ellipsoid ablation zone that destroys the tumour and a safety margin of surrounding liver.
The journey
From MDT letter to follow-up imaging - what happens, in order.
One team from first message to the 3-month scan - including the MDT sign-off and follow-up review.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
A few hours at the unit
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You send us the imaging and MDT letter
A short, confidential form. Diagnosis (HCC, colorectal metastasis, other), lesion size and site, prior treatment, and recent contrast-enhanced CT or MRI.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether MWA fits, or whether cryo, IRE, SBRT or Y-90 is the better call. Indicative price. An honest read either way.
- 03
Before
We arrange the procedure
Usually within one to two weeks. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets are reviewed with the team, bloods and cross-sectional imaging refreshed if needed.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the unit
Arrival, consent and a chat with the interventional radiologist and anaesthetist. General anaesthesia for most cases; deep sedation for selected small lesions.
- 05
On the day
The ablation itself
45 to 90 minutes in the CT or ultrasound suite. One to three microwave antennae are placed percutaneously into the tumour and each cycle runs 5 to 15 minutes.
- 06
On the day
Day-case or one overnight stay
A short recovery, immediate post-ablation imaging, and either home the same evening or one night on the ward. You will need someone to collect you.
- 07
After
Follow-up imaging and MDT review
Contrast CT or MRI at 4 to 6 weeks, then 3-monthly for the first year. Local control and any new lesions reviewed by the hepatobiliary MDT.
Typical end-to-end: 1 to 2 weeks to procedure. First follow-up imaging: 4 to 6 weeks. Ongoing surveillance: 3-monthly for one year.
Why microwave over radiofrequency
Larger, faster, less heat-sink limited.
Microwave is the newer generation of thermal ablation and has largely replaced radiofrequency for liver work in most UK HPB centres.
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Larger ablation zone per session
A single microwave antenna produces a bigger, more spherical ablation zone than a comparable radiofrequency probe - fewer overlapping burns for a 3 to 5 cm lesion.
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Less heat-sink from adjacent vessels
Radiofrequency is cooled by flowing blood in nearby portal or hepatic veins, leaving residual tumour. Microwave heats past this effect for more complete kill next to vessels.
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Faster cycle time
Typical MWA cycles run 5 to 10 minutes versus 15 to 20 minutes for radiofrequency - a shorter anaesthetic and a shorter time on the CT table.
When it helps
When MWA is the right step - and when it is not.
The liver tumours we see most, plus the anatomical situations where cryoablation, IRE or SBRT is safer.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under 3 cm
BCLC very early or early stage HCC in patients unsuitable for resection or transplant, or as a bridge on the transplant list.
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HCC 3 to 5 cm in selected patients
Solitary lesions where MWA gives a larger, more predictable ablation zone than radiofrequency, often with one antenna.
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Colorectal liver metastases under 3 cm
Oligometastatic disease with a limited number of small lesions - MWA can be curative or extend chemotherapy holidays.
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Neuroendocrine liver metastases
Symptom control and cytoreduction for functional NETs, or local control of a dominant lesion alongside somatostatin analogues.
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Recurrence after resection
A new lesion in a remnant liver after hepatectomy - MWA avoids the morbidity of a second open operation.
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Other secondaries: breast, renal, sarcoma
Selected solitary or oligometastatic secondaries in a controlled systemic disease context, agreed at MDT.
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Lesion abutting a major bile duct
A hilar or central lesion within 5 mm of a major bile duct is safer with IRE or cryo - MWA risks a biliary stricture.
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Red flag: decompensated cirrhosis or ascites
Child-Pugh C liver disease, uncontrolled ascites or coagulopathy needs medical optimisation and MDT review, not a private booking.
Procedure options
MWA is a family of techniques - and sits beside other ablations.
What each option on the table actually involves - and which fits which tumour. For difficult central lesions or larger disease we refer within our network for cryo, IRE, SBRT or Y-90.
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Percutaneous MWA under CT
CT guidance for lesions near diaphragm, in segment 7 or 8, or where ultrasound windows are poor. Precise antenna placement and immediate post-ablation check.
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Percutaneous MWA under ultrasound
Real-time ultrasound guidance for accessible lesions in the left lobe and anterior right lobe. No ionising radiation and faster set-up.
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) fusion
CEUS or CT-ultrasound fusion for lesions that are conspicuous on CT but hard to see on standard ultrasound. Improves targeting accuracy.
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Multi-antenna synchronous MWA
Two or three antennae fired together to create a larger, more spherical ablation zone in one session - useful for 3 to 5 cm lesions.
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Hydrodissection and bowel displacement
Sterile fluid instilled between the liver capsule and adjacent bowel or diaphragm to protect them from thermal injury during the ablation cycle.
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Combined MWA and TACE
Trans-arterial chemoembolisation followed by MWA for larger HCC - the embolisation reduces heat sink and improves ablation completeness.
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Laparoscopic or open MWA
Occasionally the safest route for lesions on the liver surface next to bowel or gallbladder - done with an HPB surgeon in a single-anaesthetic session.
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Second-opinion imaging review
A specialist review of your MDT letter, imaging and prior treatments - sometimes the answer is SBRT, Y-90 or systemic therapy, not another ablation.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of liver interventional radiologists, we picked them.
Consultant IRs with high liver ablation case volumes, in units with a full hepatobiliary MDT. Introductions are made privately once we understand your case.
Where we work
London and specialist regional HPB units.
- King's College Hospital Private
- Royal Free Private Care - Interventional Radiology
- HCA London Bridge Hospital
- HCA The Wellington Hospital
- Imperial College Healthcare Private
- The Christie Private Care, Manchester
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Interventional radiologists with high liver ablation case volumes, not general IR lists
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Hepatobiliary MDT input from HPB surgeons, hepatologists and oncologists
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Cryoablation, IRE and SBRT pathways available when MWA is not the right call
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Anaesthetist-delivered general anaesthesia with jet ventilation where indicated
Outcomes
What the published data show.
Local control and survival vary by tumour type, size and underlying liver function. These are pooled ranges from published series.
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HCC under 3 cm
Complete ablation in 90 to 95% of cases at first treatment. 5-year overall survival of 40 to 60%, comparable to surgical resection in very early stage disease.
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Colorectal liver metastases
Local tumour control of 80 to 90% at 12 months for lesions under 3 cm with an adequate margin. Best used within a multi-modality plan alongside systemic therapy.
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HCC 3 to 5 cm
Complete ablation rates of 70 to 85% with multi-antenna technique or combined MWA plus TACE. Higher local recurrence than smaller lesions but often repeatable.
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
MWA is a well-established interventional oncology procedure. The things worth planning are your anaesthetic, the transient post-ablation syndrome, and the follow-up scan.
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General anaesthesia for most cases
GA gives a still target and controlled breathing - important for CT-guided punctures near the diaphragm. Deep sedation is used for selected small lesions.
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Post-ablation syndrome
A transient flu-like illness with low-grade fever, malaise and right upper quadrant discomfort for 3 to 7 days. Settles with paracetamol and hydration.
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Transient LFT rise
Liver enzymes typically rise for 3 to 5 days after ablation as the treated volume undergoes necrosis. Resolves without intervention in most cases.
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Bleeding is uncommon but real
Around 1 to 2% risk of clinically significant bleeding needing embolisation or transfusion. Coagulation checked and corrected before the procedure.
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Biliary injury near central lesions
Lesions within 5 mm of major bile ducts carry a stricture risk with MWA. In those cases we recommend cryoablation or IRE instead.
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Pleural effusion or pneumothorax
Trans-pleural punctures for high dome lesions can cause a small effusion or pneumothorax - usually managed conservatively, occasionally with a drain.
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Tumour seeding
A rare but recognised risk of tumour cells tracking along the antenna path - reduced by track ablation on antenna withdrawal.
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Recovery and back to work
Most patients are back to office work within 3 to 5 days. Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise are avoided for two weeks.
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Red flags after discharge
Severe abdominal pain, fever over 38.5C, jaundice, or breathlessness - call the unit or attend A&E the same day.
Compared to other options
Where MWA sits alongside cryo, IRE, SBRT, Y-90 and TACE.
The right modality depends on tumour size and location, liver function, and whether the goal is cure, bridging to transplant or symptom control.
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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
The older thermal technology - smaller ablation zones, more affected by heat sink near vessels. Largely replaced by MWA for liver work in specialist UK units.
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Cryoablation
Freeze-thaw cycles. Better than MWA for tumours near major nerves or the diaphragm because the ice-ball is visible on imaging and cold is less painful.
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Irreversible electroporation (IRE / NanoKnife)
Non-thermal - the technique of choice for lesions within 5 mm of major bile ducts or vessels where MWA would risk a stricture.
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Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
Non-invasive, delivered over 3 to 5 outpatient visits. Preferred for larger lesions (over 5 cm) or tumours that cannot be reached percutaneously.
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Y-90 selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT)
Radioactive microspheres delivered through the hepatic artery. Better for patients with multiple lesions across both lobes than single-target ablation.
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TACE (transarterial chemoembolisation)
A bridge to transplant for HCC on the waiting list, or a first-line treatment for intermediate-stage disease with multiple lesions.
Reading your ablation report
Your MWA report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever technique was used, the report the interventional radiologist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Interventional radiology language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the report before your MDT review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Diagnosis, lesion site and size
The indication (HCC, colorectal metastasis, NET), the Couinaud segment, the largest diameter in millimetres and the pre-ablation vascular pattern.
- 02 Technique
Antennae, power and cycle length
Number and configuration of microwave antennae, generator power in watts, cycle duration in minutes, and any hydrodissection or track ablation used.
- 03 Findings
Ablation zone and complications
The size and shape of the immediate ablation zone on post-procedure imaging, whether the ablative margin looks adequate, and any bleeding or air near vulnerable structures.
- 04 Impression
Follow-up imaging and MDT plan
Read this first: when the first follow-up CT or MRI is booked, whether adjuvant therapy is planned, and the next MDT review date.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for liver ablation varies by insurer and by indication - usually funded when medically indicated with MDT support. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about liver MWA.
Quick answers on outpatient care, repeatability, insurance, size limits, liver function and recovery.
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Is microwave liver ablation done as an outpatient?
Most patients are treated as a day-case or with one overnight stay for observation. General anaesthesia and CT-guided punctures near the diaphragm often warrant one night on the ward, but many small lesions treated under ultrasound are true day-cases with home the same evening.
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Can microwave ablation be repeated?
Yes. Unlike surgery, MWA can be repeated for new or recurrent lesions in the same or a different part of the liver, provided the underlying liver function allows. This is one of its main advantages over resection, particularly for HCC in cirrhosis and for oligometastatic colorectal disease.
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Will private insurance cover it?
Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, WPA and Healix generally cover liver ablation when medically indicated and supported by an MDT letter. Pre-authorisation is required and we handle the paperwork with the treating unit before booking.
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Is there a size limit for microwave ablation?
Complete ablation rates are highest for lesions under 3 cm. Lesions between 3 and 5 cm are treatable with multi-antenna technique or combined MWA plus TACE. Lesions over 5 cm are usually better served by resection, SBRT or Y-90 radioembolisation.
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Will my liver function be affected?
A transient rise in liver enzymes and bilirubin for 3 to 5 days is expected as the treated volume undergoes necrosis. Baseline liver function usually returns within two weeks. Careful case selection in cirrhosis is essential to avoid tipping decompensated disease into liver failure.
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How long is recovery?
Most patients feel a mild right upper quadrant discomfort and flu-like symptoms for 3 to 7 days, well controlled with paracetamol. Office work is usually resumed within 3 to 5 days; heavy lifting and vigorous exercise are avoided for two weeks.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Tumour cryoablation
Freeze-thaw ablation for tumours near nerves or bile ducts.
Learn more -
NanoKnife (IRE)
Non-thermal ablation for lesions next to major vessels or ducts.
Learn more -
Y-90 radioembolisation
Selective internal radiotherapy for multi-focal liver disease.
Learn more -
Oligometastasis SBRT
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for a small number of metastases.
Learn more -
HIPEC
Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal disease.
Learn more -
Colorectal cancer
Guide to private colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more
Ready to talk?
Send us the imaging. We come back within one working day.
A short, confidential enquiry. Diagnosis, lesion size and site, recent contrast CT or MRI. We reply with an honest recommendation and a firm price - or tell you MWA is not the right call.