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(Hyannis - April 19, 2016) A new state-of-the-art treatment for tumors is now available at Cape Cod Hospital. Microwave ablation, which offers an alternative to conventional surgical interventions, is a minimally invasive, highly effective option for some patients. Microwave ablation uses CT-guided probes and electromagnetic waves to precisely target and destroy tumors through a small incision. A procedure that typically takes an hour to perform, microwave ablation can be used as part of a day surgery treatment. This limits patient pain and may eliminate the need for an inpatient stay. Other advantages of the microwave ablation technique include: • Less anesthesia • Faster recovery • Smaller incisions “We now have the technology and expertise to treat patients suffering from some lung, kidney, liver and bone tumors,” said Salvatore Viscomi, MD, medical director the radiology department at Cape Cod Healthcare. “It offers an alternative to invasive surgery, especially for older and sicker patients, whose frailer health makes invasive surgery particularly risky.” The microwave ablation procedures are performed at Cape Cod Hospital by interventional radiologists Philip J. Dombrowski, MD and John G. Santilli, MD. Microwave ablation is also used in concert with low-dose CT scans, which detect early lung tumors in heavy smokers. “We suspect that potentially thousands of lung cancer patients on Cape Cod can benefit from this combination of detection and treatment,” said Dr. Viscomi, who also practices at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, the Cape’s only local laboratory service (C-Lab) and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org. Cape Cod Healthcare. Visit our new health news site www.onecapehealthnews.com for the latest in relevant and credible healthcare news.