A Revolutionary Treatment Method for Goiter and Thyroid Nodules: Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation began to be used for the treatment of goiter and thyroid nodules in 2006, while microwave ablation started in 2010. Recently, non-surgical treatment methods have gained popularity worldwide. Ablation methods for treating thyroid nodules are a safe, effective, and very comfortable treatment option. They are becoming increasingly popular every day.
For years, the only option for treating thyroid nodules was thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland). Patients had to use thyroid hormone medication for the rest of their lives after surgery. Additionally, the risks associated with anesthesia during surgery and the possibility of a permanent surgical scar on the neck worried patients.
Recently, an exciting revolutionary ablation method has started to be applied for the treatment of goiter (toxic, non-toxic) and thyroid nodules. With this method, no incision is made; instead, a needle is inserted, and controlled alternating current is delivered through the needle tip to increase the temperature within the nodule, effectively destroying it. This is a non-surgical, painless procedure with local anesthesia, allowing patients to resume their normal lives just 30 minutes after the procedure.
The ablation procedure takes approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on the patient's and nodule's characteristics. After the procedure, the patient is sent home within 30 minutes.
Radiofrequency and microwave ablation are used for the treatment of goiter and thyroid nodules. They are applied to patients with complaints related to thyroid nodules (such as pressure symptoms in the throat, swelling in the neck, swallowing problems, shortness of breath, and cough). Recently, this method can also be applied in cases of papillary thyroid cancer under 10 mm and lymph node involvement due to cancer. Current clinical reports and studies have shown that the ablation method is effective and safe for treating low-risk papillary thyroid cancer, and it is expected to become a new option for the first-line treatment of these patients. Treating hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid adenomas) with the ablation method is the most recent development in this field.
After ablation, the volume of the nodule decreases by 33-58% within the first 3 months, and by 60-90% within 6-12 months. Complete resolution may take years, but clinical symptoms and complaints disappear as soon as the nodule starts to shrink.
Advantages of the Ablation Method
- Offers a comfortable treatment option for those at risk from surgery and for patients afraid of surgery.
- No need for lifelong medication.
- The recovery rate is very high and the procedure is quite comfortable and easy.
- Risks and complications are minimal compared to surgery.
- Patients can return home and resume their daily lives on the same day.
- No general anesthesia is used; only local anesthesia is applied.
- No stitches or scarring.
Alcohol Ablation
Additionally, alcohol ablation is also performed in our clinic for the treatment of cystic thyroid nodules. Patient satisfaction rates for radiofrequency, microwave, and alcohol ablation procedures in thyroid nodules and goiter are very high.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feyzi GÖKOSMANOĞLU
