What are the side effects of IRE?

Studies looking at IRE for pancreatic cancer have found the following side effects. Most of these only last a few days.

• You may have some pain. You can manage this with painkillers and it usually improves in one to three days.
• Some people get pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This can usually be managed with painkillers. You may need to spend a few days in hospital. If the pancreatitis is more severe, you may need to stay in hospital for a few weeks or months. But this is not common.
• Some people have problems with feeling and being sick, and heartburn. These don’t normally last very long.
• When the needles are inserted they can cause bleeding or bruising of the pancreas. If the bleeding doesn’t stop by itself, it may need further treatment. This may be a blood transfusion or a procedure called embolisation to block the blood flow.

Are there any risks with IRE?

As well as the side effects, there are a few risks. These are rare.

• A small number of people may get a blood clot in a vein, but this is rare. It can be treated with blood thinning medicine.
• Very rarely, a small number of people may have a leak of fluid from their bile duct or their duodenum (first part of the small intestine). his may happen if the needles damage these areas. It may need an operation to repair the leak.
• There may be a very small risk of dying after having IRE. This is rare. It may be caused by damage to surrounding organs during the treatment.

Speak to your doctor about the risks and side effects of IRE.

If you are having chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy or surgery, you may also get side effects from these treatments.

Updated: September 2025

To be reviewed: September 2027