The technique, being non-invasive can be performed just with local anesthesia
For those with benign thyroid tumours, radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, along with laser ablation, and ethanol ablation are nonsurgical treatments that doctors say are among the best alternatives to surgery in some patients with thyroid nodules.
Nodules are lumps or growths that form in the thyroid gland, located in the neck below Adam's apple. Nearly half the population experiences nodules, and the majority of these are non-ca or benign.
Different types of non-surgical ablation methods
“The techniques function by destroying the tumour tissue with precision and accuracy, providing an efficient alternative to traditional surgery with reduced recovery periods, and decreased side effects,” said Dr. Anubhav Harish Khandelwal, Associate Director, Radiology and Imaging, Medanta Hospital, told Times Now.
According to Dr. Khandelwal, all of these techniques, being non-invasive, can be performed just with local anesthesia. “Radiofrequency ablation applies heat produced by radio waves to shrink or kill the tumour. For laser ablation, focused laser beams are used to vaporise and destroy the tumour. And ethanol ablation happens when alcohol is directly injected into the tumour, causing it to shrink and later be destroyed,” he added.
Non-surgical ablation is crucial in patients with benign tumours since it helps maintain thyroid function and limits the necessity of more invasive therapy. Experts say mostly after the procedure, in many patients, throat bump dramatically decreases—in a few by even 60 per cent. Mostly, the throat clearing stops, and swallowing also instantly becomes easier.
What are the advantages of non-surgical ablation vis-à-vis traditional surgery?
According to Dr. Khandelwal, non-surgical ablation procedures are suggested for benign thyroid tumour patients, as there are many advantages to this method. A few of these include:
Shorter recovery time
The technique is carried out with probes, so less pain and a shorter recovery of just seven days.
No general anesthesia
Only local anesthesia is administered to the patient, lowering the risks of administering general anesthesia.
Maintenance of thyroid function
Unlike surgery, where part or the entire thyroid needs to be removed, ablation maintains thyroid function, which also lowers the demand for hormone replacement therapy.
Drawbacks
Limited to Benign Tumors
Non-surgical ablation cannot be applied to cancerous tumours.
Risk of incomplete treatment
Occasionally, the treatment may not be complete in eradicating the tumour, necessitating additional procedures.
Not effective for all tumours
More extensive or larger tumours might not be suitable.
Guide to a non-surgical ablation
Before consultation
Before the procedure, patients meet with an expert who will assess the size, location, and type of the tumour using imaging tests like ultrasound. Based on the test results, the doctor will decide which non-surgical ablation method is best suited for the patient.
During the procedure
Patients remain awake but will receive local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. The doctor will use ultrasound to guide a probe or needle to the tumour. The procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes on average, depending on the size of the tumour.
Post-Procedure Care
Most patients go home within 2-3 hours. Mild discomfort or swelling in the treated area is common but typically goes away in a few days. Normal activities can usually be resumed on the same day. Post treatment, the tumour starts shrinking and usually shrinks up to 80–90 per cent of its original size within one year.
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