How do I prepare for radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?
ANSWER
To prepare for radiofrequency ablation treatment, you should take a few precautions, including:
- Do not eat within six hours of your appointment; however, you may have clear liquids until two hours before the procedure.
- If you have diabetes and use insulin, you must adjust the dosage of insulin the day of the procedure. Your primary care doctor will help you with this adjustment. Bring your diabetes medication with you so you can take it after the procedure.
- Continue to take all other medications with a small sip of water. Bring all medication with you so you can take it after the procedure. Please note: Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your primary or referring doctor.
- You will need to bring someone with you to drive you home after the procedure. You should not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
From: Radiofrequency Ablation for Arthritis Pain WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by David Zelman on September 11, 2019
SOURCES: Cleveland Clinic Department of Pain Management. Society of Interventional Radiology.
SOURCES: Cleveland Clinic Department of Pain Management. Society of Interventional Radiology.
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