Short answers to common questions. They are not a substitute for a consultation.
NanoKnife is the trade name of a system used to deliver Irreversible Electroporation (IRE). People often use the names interchangeably in conversation.
IRE is usually done under general anaesthesia so you do not feel the pulses. The final plan is made by your anaesthetist together with your surgeon.
Some discomfort, nausea or fatigue is common after many abdominal or pelvic procedures. Severity and duration vary. Your team will give you a pain plan.
Length of stay depends on the tumour site, how the procedure is done and your general health. Your admission letter or pre-admission nurse will give a guide for your case.
IRE is not a heat-based ablation like standard radiofrequency or microwave ablation. Some secondary warming can still occur, but the primary mechanism is different.
Any prostate treatment can affect sexual function and continence. The pattern and risk depend on tumour location, how much tissue is treated, pre-existing function and other factors. Your urologist should walk through this using your MRI and clinical data.
Eligibility is decided after review of imaging, pathology, organ function and often multidisciplinary discussion. This website cannot tell you if you are eligible.
Depending on the cancer type and stage, alternatives may include surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, observation on a structured protocol, or other ablative technologies. Your specialist should outline options you can reasonably access in Australia.
Funding rules change and depend on procedure code, hospital setting and insurer. Ask the rooms for an estimate of fees and gap, and ask your fund whether your policy covers the proposed item numbers.
Yes. Many patients ask another specialist to review scans and the suggested plan. See our second opinion page for how to start that conversation with the rooms.
Use this site together with written material from your hospital, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) when a device is discussed, and peer-reviewed summaries your doctor recommends. Avoid replacing individual medical advice with general web pages.
The NanoKnife system discussed here is supplied by AngioDynamics (trade names and regulatory status may vary by region). Device labelling and instructions for use are the authoritative technical source for clinicians.
Phone, email and addresses are on the contact page.
You can ask for a second opinion on imaging, diagnosis and treatment options before you decide.