The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
Laser thermocoagulation
LASER INTERSTITIAL THERMAL THERAPY
HCA UK offers advanced treatments such as thermocoaulation to help eliminate metastatic tumours
About
Laser thermocoagulation is an emerging treatment option for primary and metastatic brain tumours which can be hard to treat with conventional surgery.
The procedure involves inserting a laser catheter into the tumour and heating it to temperatures high enough to kill the tumour.
Need to know
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the scalp and a thin hole is made in the skull. Guided by MRI and image guidance, the surgeon inserts the catheter into the target area of the brain.
The laser is activated and the surgeon monitors the heat delivered to the tumour through MRI imaging. When the entire tumour has been heated, the laser is removed and the area is closed with staples.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You should be able to go home the next day. You'll need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital.
Your consultant will monitor your progress carefully, and arrange a follow up appointment. They will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine after surgery.
Our Laser thermocoagulation locations
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road London W4 4HS
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.