Even noncancerous thyroid nodules could become significantly large and cause difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, and a chronic cough. Traditionally, individuals with thyroid nodules had only had open surgery to address and eliminate the nodules. Fortunately, with radiofrequency ablation, it is now possible to treat thyroid nodules safely and minimally invasively with modern technologies. Newport beach thyroid rfa aims to shrink the thyroid nodules and restore thyroid function. This procedure is performed by an endocrine surgeon using ultrasound imaging as a guide. Continue reading to learn more about thyroid radiofrequency ablation and the main reasons to consider this treatment.

1. No General Anesthesia or Hospitalization

Unlike thyroid surgery, ablation treatments do not require general anesthesia or hospitalization. Ablation operations are carried out in an outpatient facility or a physician’s office. After therapy, patients are not obliged to switch into hospital gowns or spend a night.

Before beginning RFA therapy, your doctor numbs the neck and area surrounding the thyroid gland with a local anesthetic. Patients receiving radioactive iodine (RAI) do not need anesthesia because they merely take a pill. During therapy, patients should be awake and able to communicate. Upon completion of the procedure, patients can return home immediately.

2. Ablation Is A Non-Invasive Procedure

Ablation techniques are far less intrusive than open thyroid surgery. RAI is administered orally and leaves no scars because your physician makes no incisions. RFA is minimally intrusive because a needle is inserted into the skin. The RFA procedure leaves minimal to no scarring. Besides, scarring from the first insertion of the needle is not apparent.

Both therapies are specific to the thyroid so that no other tissues are impacted. Ablation is also superior because it targets only the troublesome parts of the thyroid without hurting the whole gland. Ablation has a lower infection risk and other problems than surgical procedures.

3. Reduced Recuperation Times

Ablation is less intrusive; thus, patients do not require recovery time following treatment. Patients are permitted to return home on the same day as their therapy. Although most patients will opt to relax or avoid strenuous activities shortly after the procedure, doctors approve that patients can return to their regular activities a day after undergoing an ablation.

Patients are not required to refrain from neck-straining activities or adhere to any restrictions. Besides, individuals who have ablations for thyroid conditions will not have to cope with wound cleansing or discomfort during the healing process. Furthermore, this technique avoids the bruises or inflammation associated with thyroid surgery.

4. Protects The Thyroid

Ablation may assist patients in retaining normal thyroid function by preserving a larger portion of the thyroid gland. Surgical removal of a portion or the entirety of the thyroid has lasting implications on thyroid hormone levels. Patients are frequently obliged to take thyroid drugs to replenish the hormones their bodies no longer produce.

Ablation therapy permits patients to retain their thyroid and does not harm healthy thyroid tissue. Before administration, doctors carefully measure RAI to prevent the destruction of healthy thyroid cells. RFA selectively addresses cells inside nodules, sparing the remaining thyroid tissue. Ablation aids in the maintenance of healthy thyroid function in patients.

Before ablation, patients with thyroid disorders resorted to surgery to alleviate their symptoms. The lasting effects of surgery include scarring, irreversible alterations in thyroid hormone levels, and an elevated risk of problems. Thyroid ablation is a safe and efficient alternative to surgery for treating various thyroid disorders. Consult your physician to determine if you are the right candidate for the procedure.