What is hydrodissection in the context of thermal ablation?

Hydrodissection refers to a technique used during thermal ablation procedures to create a separation between tissue planes by introducing a fluid, typically saline, into the tissue. This fluid acts to gently dissect and separate tissues, which can help protect surrounding structures and enhance the effectiveness of the ablation process. By creating this separation, hydrodissection helps to minimize damage to adjacent healthy tissues while allowing the ablative energy to be optimized on the target tissue. This technique is particularly important in procedures like robotic or laparoscopic surgeries, where precision and protection of nearby organs are crucial for patient safety and successful outcomes.