Histotripsy

Histotripsy for liver tumors, available at Mercy

Histotripsy is a leading-edge treatment approved by the FDA in 2023 for use destroying liver tumors. This non-invasive treatment breaks down targeted tissue by using focused ultrasound waves, instead of surgery or radiation. At Mercy, you’ll receive expert cancer care from a connected team, with support, imaging and follow-up all in one place. You can also manage your care through the MyMercy app.

What is histotripsy treatment?

Histotripsy is a non-invasive liver tumor treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to break down targeted tissue. Unlike traditional liver cancer treatments, histotripsy does not require surgery, incisions, needles or radiation. During the procedure, your doctor uses ultrasound imaging to locate the tumor and guide treatment in real time. This approach allows for precise targeting of liver tumors while helping protect surrounding healthy tissue.

How does histotripsy work?

During a histotripsy procedure, a treatment device delivers focused sound waves through a soft membrane placed on your abdomen. These sound waves pulse through the body and target the liver tumor without harming nearby tissue. The sound pulses create tiny gas-filled bubbles within the diseased tissue. As the bubbles expand, they break down cancer cell walls. 

What are the benefits of histotripsy?

For patients with liver tumors, especially those looking for a non-invasive option, histotripsy offers several benefits:

Non-invasive procedure: No cuts, incisions or needles.
No radiation: Uses focused ultrasound instead of ionizing radiation.
Targeted treatment: Designed to treat liver tumors while limiting damage to nearby tissue.
No treatment interruption: No need to pause chemotherapy or radiation, so patient can continue current treatment plans without delay.
Shorter recovery time: Patients return to normal activities quickly.
Reduced side effects: Common side effects are generally mild. 

What are the main steps in a histotripsy procedure?

If histotripsy is right for you, your Mercy care team will guide you though each step of the process, from your first visit through recovery. Understanding what happens during a histotripsy procedure can help you feel more prepared.

Consultation:
You’ll meet with a Mercy specialist to review your diagnosis, imaging and overall health. Your doctor will explain how histotripsy works, answer your questions and help determine whether this treatment is an option for your liver tumor.

Prep:
Before your procedure, you may need imaging, such as an ultrasound, to confirm the location of the tumor. Your care team will give you simple instructions to follow ahead of time so you feel prepared.

Procedure day:
On the day of treatment, you’ll be guided through each step by your care team. Imaging is used to confirm the exact treatment area before the procedure begins.

Recovery:
After treatment, many patients can return home the same day or the next day. Your care team will provide guidance on recovery and follow-up care based on your individual treatment plan. 

Histotripsy for liver tumors, close to home

Mercy is the first in Missouri to offer histotripsy for liver tumors, with expert care and locations in St. Louis and South County.

If you’d like to see if you’re a candidate for histotripsy, please call one of our two locations to schedule a consultation.