Which patient demographic is least likely to undergo thermal ablation?

Patients requiring immediate major surgery are least likely to undergo thermal ablation due to the nature of their medical situation. Thermal ablation is often considered a minimally invasive alternative used for localized tumors. However, when a patient is in need of immediate major surgery, it typically indicates a more urgent or advanced medical condition that requires immediate intervention rather than a planned procedure like thermal ablation.

In contrast, elderly patients with multiple comorbidities might be considered for thermal ablation due to its minimally invasive nature, which poses less risk compared to more invasive surgical techniques. Young patients with localized tumors are often ideal candidates for thermal ablation because it targets specific areas without requiring extensive recovery time. Patients undergoing palliative care may also be considered for thermal ablation to alleviate symptoms from tumors, although their overall treatment goals differ compared to curative intentions. Therefore, those needing immediate major surgery are less likely to receive thermal ablation, as their conditions demand more urgent surgical intervention.