Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT)

MRI guided laser ablations

A minimally-invasive procedure to treat brain tumours

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020 7079 4344

What is Laser interstitial thermal therapy?

LITT is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. It's used to treat primary and secondary brain tumours that are difficult to treat using traditional surgical techniques.

Need to know

  • What happens during an LITT procedure? icon plus

    Your neurosurgeon will start by making a small cut in your scalp. They'll then gently insert a catheter (thin tube) through your brain and into the tumour.

    Then, using a real-time MRI scanner as a guide, they'll direct a beam of thermal energy at the tumour to destroy it. Laser interstitial thermal therapy only takes a few minutes to perform.

  • How to prepare for LITT icon plus

    Your consultant will explain your interstitial thermal therapy procedure to you, and answer any questions you might have.

  • After your procedure icon plus

    After your laser interstitial thermal therapy procedure, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you’ll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.

State-of-the-art intraoperative MRI for neurosurgery

As part of HCA Healthcare UK’s continued investment in the latest medical technology, The Wellington Hospital’s Neurosurgery Centre is now equipped with an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) scanner and fully integrated digital theatre.

The iMRI scanner allows surgeons to carry out an intraoperative MRI scan of their patient’s brain during their surgery. This gives the surgeon confidence that they have achieved their treatment goal. It also provides our patients with the best possible chance of tumours being removed fully without the need for further surgery.

Our neurosurgeons

Your consultant will talk you through all your option for treatment and if LITT is suitable for you.

Our neurosurgeons are experienced in caring for and treating those with a diagnosed brain tumours and ensure you are supported by nursing teams and therapists throughout the recovery stage.

Our locations

From complex neurosurgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional neurosciences care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Book an appointment

Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.

Call us today

020 7079 4344
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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