​This treatment involves the placement of a small probe about the size of an injection needle into the thyroid nodule. Thereafter, the tip of the probe is activated, and this creates a radiofrequency wave that essentially heats up the nodule, thereby destroying the cells within the nodule.

This procedure may be performed under sedation, local or general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia and sedation are preferred, to allow better monitoring of patients. The procedure lasts for 30-45 minutes depending on the size of nodule for ablation. 

Local anaesthesia is administered in the neck to ensure there is minimal pain and discomfort during the procedure. Following this, cold fluid may be injected around the thyroid to prevent heat transmission to the surrounding structures. Thereafter, the RFA probe is inserted into the thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance and the probe is activated to allow for thermal ablation of the nodule. 

How RFA procedure is done:

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Activated RFA probe in the thyroid nodule:

RFA probe being activated in the thyroid nodule - leading to thermal destruction of nodule with preservation of surrounding thyroid tissue.

​Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of thyroid nodule was first conceptualised in 2006. Since then, the overall results have shown great efficacy in the shrinkage of thyroid nodules. In a systemic review involving 1,737 patients with a total of 1,943 thyroid nodules treated with RFA – 85% of patients achieved a target volumetric reduction of at least 50%. Most patients achieved approximately 67% - 93.6% volumetric reduction. These patients were followed up for a minimum of 18 months demonstrating long-term efficacy in this technique.

​Presently, radiofrequency ablation is largely used in patients with benign thyroid nodules. This is established by performing two biopsies. Patients with predominantly solid nodules who are symptomatic would benefit most from RFA.

​Most patients go home on the day of the procedure and are able to resume their usual daily activities the day after. Some patients might experience some soreness or swelling over the ablated site. However, this would go away after about 72 hours.

Patients will be followed up via tele-medicine, one-week post-procedure. Thereafter, patients will be provided a three months face-to-face review. Should there be any symptoms or concerns after the procedure, an appointment will be arranged for patients to be seen for further evaluation. 

​As this procedure involves the use of heat to ablate the thyroid nodule, the risks of heat transmission to the surrounding structures are possible. This would include heat transmission to the nerve to the voice box, leading to hoarseness. 

Other potential side effects include the risks of thermal injury to the surrounding blood vessels and the overlying skin that might result in bleeding and possible burns to the skin.

These side effects are generally uncommon (occurring less than 1% of the time) and is further prevented by administering cold fluid around the target area during the procedure.

• Dr Donovan Eu Kum Chuen
  
• Dr Charmaine Tan Si Min