RFA of Non-Surgical Removal of Thyroid Nodules/Tumours
Thyroid nodules or tumours can be safely treated without surgery through a technique called Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). In this method, heat is delivered using a special needle guided by ultrasound, and the nodule is gradually reduced in size. Pain, scarring, and recovery time are greatly minimised. Dr. MK Azad provides this advanced and minimally invasive treatment under expert supervision. Patients are carefully selected, evaluated, and monitored throughout the process. As one of the pioneers of this method in Bangladesh, non-surgical thyroid care is offered with excellence, providing relief without the risks of traditional surgery.

থাইরয়েড নডিউল বা টিউমারের অপারেশন ছাড়া অপসারণের (আরএফএ)
থাইরয়েড নডিউল বা টিউমার গুলি আরএফএ (রেডিওফ্রিকোয়েন্সি অ্যাবলেশন) পদ্ধতি দিয়ে অপসারণ করা যেতে পারে। এতে, বিশেষ সুঁচের মাধ্যমে তাপ প্রয়োগ করা হয় এবং গুটির আকার ধীরে ধীরে ছোট হয়। এটি অপারেশন থেকে অনেক কম যন্ত্রণাদায়ক, কম দাগ এবং দ্রুত পুনরুদ্ধার প্রক্রিয়া। ড. এমকে আজাদ এই আধুনিক ও কম আক্রমণকারী চিকিৎসা পদ্ধতি প্রদান করেন।

🔬 RFA for Non-Surgical Removal of Thyroid Nodules/Tumors Treatment

By Dr. M K Azad
Diabetes, Hormone, Medicine Specialist & Interventional Endocrinologist
Consultant & Head, Department of Endocrinology, Government Employees Hospital, Fulbaria, Dhaka

FCPS (Medicine), MD (Endocrinology), DEM (BIRDEM), MPH (Epidemiology)
Advanced Hormone Training – Singapore, Korea

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment technique that allows the targeted destruction of thyroid nodules and tumors using heat energy. This minimally invasive procedure offers a highly effective solution for patients who have thyroid nodules that are benign or causing troublesome symptoms, without the need for invasive surgery.

🧬 Indications for RFA of Thyroid Nodules/Tumors:

• Benign Thyroid Nodules causing symptoms (pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing)

• Non-functional Nodules that are growing in size or causing cosmetic concerns

• Autonomous Thyroid Nodules that may be leading to mild hyperthyroidism

• Recurrent nodules following previous thyroid surgery

• Patient preference for a non-surgical solution

🩺 Step-by-Step RFA Treatment Procedure for Thyroid Nodules/Tumors:

1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation

• Detailed history of thyroid function, nodule growth, symptoms, and previous treatments

• Physical examination to assess nodule size and the impact on surrounding structures

• Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3) to evaluate overall thyroid health

• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy to confirm that the nodule is benign

2. Pre-Procedural Imaging and Planning

• Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland to accurately locate the nodule(s)

• Assessment of nodule size, shape, and position relative to critical structures like blood vessels and nerves

• Determining the optimal approach and energy settings for the RFA procedure

3. RFA Procedure:

• Local Anesthesia: The area around the thyroid is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort

• Ultrasound-Guided Insertion of the RFA Needle: Using ultrasound imaging, a fine needle electrode is inserted into the thyroid nodule

• Radiofrequency Energy Application: High-frequency radio waves are used to generate heat, which causes the nodule tissue to break down and shrink

• Continuous Monitoring: The procedure is monitored in real-time via ultrasound to ensure precision and prevent damage to surrounding tissues

4. Post-Procedure Care:

• Monitoring: Patients are observed for 30 minutes to an hour following the procedure to ensure there are no immediate complications

• Instructions: Mild discomfort may occur, but it is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days

• Follow-Up Ultrasound: An ultrasound is scheduled after 6 to 12 weeks to evaluate the shrinkage and effectiveness of the treatment

5. Long-Term Follow-Up and Monitoring:

• Regular Check-Ups: Patients are scheduled for follow-up visits every 6 months to monitor for any recurrence or new nodules

• Ultrasound Imaging: Periodic ultrasounds to track the treated nodule(s) and ensure no new growth or complications

• Thyroid Function Tests: To ensure the thyroid remains healthy and hormone levels are stable

🩺 Benefits of RFA for Thyroid Nodules/Tumors:

• Minimally Invasive: No incisions or stitches required, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring

• Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days

• Effective for Symptomatic Nodules: Provides relief from symptoms like pain, difficulty swallowing, or cosmetic concerns

• Preserves Thyroid Function: Unlike surgery, RFA does not typically remove the thyroid gland, preserving thyroid function

📍 Clinic Address: Islami Bank Hospital and Cardiac Center, Mirpur
📞 For appointments 01810000123, 01327997655