Today we are going to discuss about an interesting and novel pinhole procedure to treat large benign harmless thyroid gland swellings (goitre) without open surgery or general anaesthesia.
Thyroid gland is a vital gland which secretes a hormone called thyroxine which is essential for daily body function and metabolism. Benign (harmless) swellings in the thyroid gland are very common and can grow slowly over time to cause big unsightly swellings in the front of the neck. Traditionally these are treated by a major open surgery in which whole or half of the thyroid gland is removed.
Many people are not keen for a major surgery or to lose their vital organ to treat these swellings which can also lead to a big scar in the neck. RFA treatment is a perfect solution for these people as we can treat the nodule through a tiny pin hole in the neck and without any harm to the normal thyroid gland.
During the procedure, local anaesthesia (pain killer) is injected into the skin at the access site to prevent discomfort. An injection of a mild sedative is also given to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
A special needle which generates heat at its tip (RFA probe) is placed in the goitre under Ultrasound guidance and the heat is used to burn and shrink the goitre. This is ideal for patients with large thyroid swellings which appear unsightly.
Advantages over open surgery:
- Short hospital stay
- Back to normal life/ activities in 3 days
- Significantly lower risks compared to open surgery
- No general anaesthesia
- No big scar or open surgery wound
- Thyroid function is preserved
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