Content Summary
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure, offers an alternative to traditional surgery for thyroid nodules, providing benefits like avoiding long-term medication and scarring. It’s safer with fewer complications and quicker recovery times. Physicians adopting RFA technology can expect improved patient outcomes and professional support from STARmed America.
Main Points:
- Traditional thyroid surgery has been the primary treatment for thyroid nodules until Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for thyroid received FDA clearance in 2018, patients are offered new treatment options for their thyroid nodules.
- RFA targets nodules with minimal invasion, reducing recovery time and avoiding lifetime medications.
- Benefits include avoiding hormone supplementation, neck scars, and calcium problems, with fewer complications compared to surgery.
- RFA offers quicker recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within 30 minutes to a few hours.
- It’s a safer option for patients who are poor candidates for surgery, with a significant reduction in nodule size observed.
- STARmed offers comprehensive support for physicians adopting RFA technology, facilitating innovation and improved patient care.
The Thyroid RFA vs surgery question is a fairly new one, and we have advanced medical technology to thank.
Until 2002, surgery was one of the only viable treatment options for patients with non-malignant thyroid nodules. While effective, this invasive option required significant recovery time and did not necessarily eliminate the need for lifetime medications.
Over the past 20 years, STARmed has been developing new technologies in the field of soft tissue ablation. They were the first to create an electrode specific to the treatment of the thyroid and bring it to America. The procedure received FDA clearance in 2018.
Since then, STARmed has continued to innovate, working with top physicians to improve their RFA technology. Today, radiofrequency ablation has become a valid, minimally invasive alternative to surgery for many thyroid patients.
In this blog, we’ll discuss thyroid RFA as an alternative to traditional thyroid nodule surgery. Continue reading to learn the benefits of this novel procedure and how to incorporate radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules into your practice.
What Is RFA for Thyroid Nodules?
Thyroid RFA is a form of radiofrequency ablation that targets thyroid nodules. It’s a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure. The physician will insert a needle electrode into the nodule, destroying the cells using controlled radiofrequency energy.
The ablated nodule cells are naturally excreted as waste over several months. As a result, the nodule decreases in size, allowing the patient to live comfortably without the loss of healthy thyroid tissue.
The Benefits of RFA for Thyroid Nodules
According to head and neck surgeon Dr. Catherine Sinclair, “Three main benefits [of RFA] would be avoidance of long-term hormone supplementation, neck scar, and long-term calcium problems.”
Because the RFA procedure only targets affected tissue, the thyroid can continue functioning normally. Most patients do not require lifetime medications to maintain their thyroid function after thyroid RFA, and there is typically no scarring. Per the video above, patients often see a reduction in nodule size within 2 to 3 weeks.
Because clinicians perform the procedure under local anesthesia, it is less dangerous than surgeries requiring general anesthesia. A large, multi-center study has found a total complication rate of 3.3% and a major complication rate of 1.4%. Compare that to statistics from the American Thyroid Association, which show a 9% total complication rate for surgery.
While some patients require a few hours of recovery time, many feel ready to return to work or school immediately. According to endocrine surgeon Dr. Emad Kandil, the majority of patients can return to normal activities 30 minutes after their procedure. Many patients return to work the same day.
In comparison, after surgery on the thyroid nodule, Dr. Kandil requires his patients to take a minimum of two weeks off. They may need to live with restrictions for six or more months following their surgery.
Dr. Kandil also emphasizes that most patients do not report any pain following RFA treatments and that there is some transient pain present in about 12% of all cases. “In my experience,” Dr. Kandil said, “I believe only 4% of my patients had this pain.”
Thyroid RFA vs Surgery
All surgery comes with risks. Whenever possible, surgeons should seek out effective, clinically proven treatments to avoid invasive surgical intervention. While not all patients will be candidates for RFA, it is a safer, less time-consuming alternative that can result in an enhanced quality of life for many.
RFA for thyroid nodules has only had FDA clearance for about five years, making it a new, cutting-edge technology. Thus, many clinicians might be reluctant to adopt this new procedure when they’ve been performing thyroid nodule surgery for decades.
When given the option between a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and surgery, however, many patients are eager to try the least invasive alternative. Clinicians can attract many new patients by investing in RFA technology.
When comparing thyroid RFA and surgery, it can also help to think of patients who may be poor candidates for surgery. Dr. Kandil recalls an 80-year-old patient who had experienced lifelong hyperthyroidism. Due to his age, the patient’s surgical risk was higher than average, making the prospect of thyroid surgery risky and ill-advised.
After the RFA procedure, Dr. Kandil observed the patient was “completely cured” of his hyperthyroidism. The patient’s nodule presented with an 80% reduction in size.
At the time of writing, there are over 160 clinical articles validating the efficacy of the STARmed RFA procedure. RFA for thyroid nodules has the potential to replace a significant number of thyroid surgeries each year. Physicians who implement this technology will be on the cutting edge of medical innovation, improving the lives of their patients.
Thyroid Surgery: The Gold Standard with a New Challenger
Despite the rise of minimally invasive techniques, thyroid surgery remains the gold standard for treating malignant thyroid conditions, larger nodules, and cases where RFA may not be indicated.
Surgical Considerations include the following:
- Definitive Treatment: Surgery, whether lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, offers a permanent solution, especially crucial in malignancies.
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Postoperative histological examination provides definitive diagnosis and staging, guiding further management.
- Adaptability: Surgery can address a broader range of pathologies, including larger nodules and those with suspicious features.
Making the Choice: RFA vs. Surgery
In some cases, it’s wise to give patients the choice regarding their preferred thyroid treatment. In others, the features of a patient’s nodules may require surgery over RFA . Consult the patient selection criteria below to better understand patient candidacy.
Ideal RFA Candidates:
- Have benign, symptomatic nodules
- Desire a non-surgical option
- May have comorbidities that increase surgical risk
Ideal Surgical Candidates:
- Have either confirmed or suspected malignancies
- Have nodules unsuitable for RFA
- Have a preference for a one-time definitive treatment
Embracing Patient-Centered Thyroid Care
As the therapeutic landscape for thyroid conditions expands, it is incumbent upon physicians to stay informed about the latest advancements in treatment technology. Likewise, the best practice is to always holistically consider our patients’ needs.
By understanding the distinct profiles of Thyroid RFA and surgery, we can navigate our patients through the complexities of decision-making. Everyone benefits when physicians offer options that align with their health goals, lifestyles, and values.
Ultimately, the choice between RFA and surgery is not just a clinical decision. It’s a partnership between physician and patient, tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for each individual.
Embracing these advancements in thyroid care allows physicians to offer a spectrum of choices to patients, ensuring that their treatment not only addresses the physical aspects of thyroid disease but also harmonizes with their overall well-being and quality of life.
Innovate with STARMed
Physicians who implement thyroid RFA technology can be leaders in medical innovation and STARmed would like to be your trusted companion on the journey toward implementation. You’ll be working with the creators of the first RF solution for thyroid nodule management.
Our team has the longest history in research and development, and we’re eager to work with trailblazing clinicians to continue to innovate and improve our products. You’ll benefit from professional development and real-time clinical support through STAR support and STAR Academy. No other RFA partner is offering such a comprehensive suite of services to support clinicians new to this technology.
The path toward innovation begins with a conversation. Contact us today to begin the process.
Sources Consulted:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BGCOmANw3U
- Baek JH, Lee JH, Sung JY, et al. Complications encountered in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules with US-guided radiofrequency ablation: a multicenter study. Radiology. 2012;262(1):335-342. doi:10.1148/radiol.11110416
- https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/volume-issue-december/vol-8-issue-12-p-3-4/
- https://rfaforlife.com/thyroidrfa-blogs/doctor-of-the-month-meet-dr-emad-kandil/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3986282/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9IJNeYOaNo
