Minimally Invasive Thyroid Procedures

Cases are methodically reviewed to tailor the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

After injecting local anesthetic into the skin, a very small needle is introduced through the skin into the thyroid nodule under ultrasound image guidance. A laser fiber is then advanced though the hollow needle and the tip of the laser exposed inside the nodule. A generator then delivers laser energy into the tissue which results in localized heat that destroys the cells in the nodule, inducing progressive reduction of its size and consequently the resolution of symptoms.

Below are some key points:

The main risks are: bleeding, hoarse voice due to nerve bruising, skin burns and infection. Infection can be a delayed problem and present with swelling, pain and redness.

Rare serious complications can include: damage to the food pipe (esophagus), air pipe (trachea) and nerves to the voice box (vocal cords).

Larger nodules could require more than one treatment for effective nodule shrinkage. Your doctor will discuss the likelihood of needing additional treatments with you during your initial consultation.

During the initial consultation, your doctor will review any current medications you are taking and provide further instructions, if needed. Other than blood thinners, which you will likely need to stop taking a few days prior to the procedure, most medications do not interfere with the procedure.

This is an office-based procedure, with a short recovery period. Following your treatment, over the counter pain control agents can help with any discomfort. Local icepacks will be used right after the procedure has concluded.

Since each case is different, your doctor will determine your expected size reduction on your initial consultation.

There is a vast number of articles predominantly in Europe and Korea. However, the scientific evidence is growing very fast in the rest of the world including the US. Some private insurances do not cover the procedure.

Percutaneous Ethanol Injection (PEI) should preferentially be considered as the first-line treatment for releasing thyroid cysts. This is done by introducing a small needle into the cyst cavity under ultrasound image guidance and filling it with absolute alcohol. The alcohol then destroys the fluid producing cells lining the inside of the cyst, thus preventing the cyst to fill again with fluid and eventually disappear.

• Percutaneous ethanol injections (PEI) for recurrent simple thyroid cysts
• Ultrasound guided Laser ablation (LA)
• Ultrasound guided Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

• Minimally invasive procedure.
• Performed under local anesthesia.
• Volume reduction of the nodule.
• Preserves your healthy thyroid tissue.