Top 4 Facts About Thyroid Nodule Surgery

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Thyroid nodules are rather common, with up to 50% of the population having one or more. Although most nodules are benign and don’t need thyroid nodule removal surgery, some of them may expand or manifest symptoms that do. Traditional thyroidectomy surgery, which involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland, has long been the preferred procedure.

Nonetheless, advances in medical technology have led to the development of less invasive options including microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The top 4 thyroid nodule surgery facts will be covered, with a focus on these less invasive procedures and their benefits.

Fact #1: What are Thyroid Nodules and When is Surgery Necessary?

Nodules on the thyroid gland are unnatural growths. Most benign thyroid nodules have no symptoms. But, if a nodule grows or manifests symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing, surgery may be necessary. A biopsy may occasionally be used to evaluate if the nodule is cancerous or benign.

A conventional thyroidectomy involves the complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland. A neck incision is required for this treatment, which is often performed under general anaesthesia. The recovery process could take many weeks, and complications including bleeding and infection are possible.

image 4 Dr Gaurav Gangwani

Fact #2: What is Minimally Invasive Surgery for Thyroid Nodules?

There are minimally invasive alternatives to traditional thyroidectomy surgery, such as microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). These therapies use heat to destroy the nodule without surgery. They are often conducted under local anaesthesia and are frequently done as outpatient procedures.

With microwave ablation, the nodule is heated and killed using microwave energy. A small needle is inserted into the nodule under ultrasound guidance, and tissue is heated and killed using microwave energy. Compared to traditional surgery, the recovery time is quicker, and treatments often take less than an hour.

RFA uses radiofrequency energy to heat and remove the nodule. After a tiny needle is inserted into the nodule under ultrasound guidance, radiofrequency radiation is utilised to burn and destroy the tissue, much like microwave ablation. The procedure often takes less time than traditional surgery, and the healing time is also quicker.

Fact #3: How Does Microwave Ablation Work?

With microwave ablation, the nodule is heated and killed using microwave energy. During the procedure, a small needle is inserted into the nodule under ultrasound supervision. The microwave energy is then used to heat and kill the tissue. The damaged tissue is eventually absorbed by the body.

Microwave ablation is a safe and efficient way to treat thyroid nodules. It has a high rate of success and a low likelihood of issues, making it an effective option for thyroid calcification treatment. The surgery is often performed as an outpatient and is usually done under local anaesthesia.

Fact #4: How Does RFA Work?

RFA heats the nodule using radiofrequency energy which makes the removal process easier. With ultrasound guidance, a tiny needle is injected into the nodule during the surgery. The tissue is subsequently heated and destroyed using radiofrequency energy. Similar to microwave ablation, the body gradually absorbs the destroyed tissue.

RFA is a secure and reliable method of treating thyroid nodules. It has a high percentage of success and little chance of problems. The operation is frequently carried out as an outpatient procedure and is normally done under local anaesthesia.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery for thyroid nodules, such as microwave ablation and RFA, offers several advantages over traditional surgery. These include:

  1. Shorter Recovery Time

As the procedures are less invasive than traditional surgery, patients frequently experience less pain and discomfort as a result. They can typically resume their normal activities in a few days.

  1. Fewer Complications

Traditional thyroidectomy procedures can result in complications such bleeding, infection, and damage to the parathyroid glands or vocal cords. With minimally invasive operations, these issues are less likely to develop.

  1. No scarring

In contrast to traditional surgery, which typically requires a big incision in the neck, minimally invasive procedures are carried out utilising tiny incisions or a needle puncture. This suggests very little to no scarring.

It is important to keep in mind that not all thyroid nodules may be suitable for minimally invasive surgery. A medical expert must be consulted to determine whether a patient is a candidate for these procedures.

Conclusion 

Although benign thyroid nodules constitute the majority, some may require surgery to be removed. Although traditional thyroidectomy surgery has long been the gold standard of therapy, less invasive options are now available.

Microwave ablation and RFA are two examples of such operations, and they have a variety of benefits over traditional surgery, including a speedier recovery time, less risks, and little to no scarring. These methods are reliable and effective treatments for some thyroid nodule sufferers. Thyroid nodule surgery cost in Mumbai may vary depending on several factors such as the clinic, the specific procedure used, and the patient’s individual needs..

If you have any concerns regarding thyroid nodules or potential surgical alternatives, see your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the best course of action for your unique needs.

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