Thyroid nodule ablation is performed in the outpatient setting and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. After having the neck cleaned and sterilely draped, the skin and neck around the thyroid gland are numbed with lidocaine. Local anesthetic with lidocaine is adequate for the majority of patients, although moderate sedation can be given if needed. Once the area is numb, the radiofrequency probe (like a needle) is inserted into the nodule from a trans-isthmic approach. Under ultrasound guidance, the nodule is heated to kill the tissue using the moving shot technique. For most patients one or even several nodules can be treated from a single skin puncture. Typically the procedure lasts between 1-2 hours depending on the size and number of nodules treated. At the end of the procedure, the probe is removed and a Band-Aid is applied. Patients are observed for 1 hour, discharged to home and can resume normal activities the next day.

Nodule volume reduction on average at 1 month is 60%, at 3 months 75%, at 6 months 85%, and at 3 years 90%. [1, RFA at 4 yr follow up]

You will follow up in clinic after your procedure at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, where you will have you will have labs drawn and ultrasounds performed.

Contact the Thyroid and Parathyroid clinic to schedule an appointment. After your consultation, your case will be presented at a multidisciplinary conference where specialists from Interventional Radiology, Head and Neck surgery, Otolaryngology, Surgical Oncology, and Endocrinology will discuss treatment options.

Phone: Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery Center  503 494-2544
Email: enthns@ohsu.edu