Frequently asked questions about radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

• What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
• Am I a Good Candidate for Thyroid Ablation?
• How Long Does Thyroid Ablation Take?
• Is Thyroid Ablation Painful?
• Does Thyroid Ablation Cause Side Effects?
• What is the Recovery Period for Thyroid Ablation?
• What Happens to the Nodules After Radiofrequency Ablation? Accordion Item 7

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

RFA uses high-frequency radio waves to create heat that destroys the cells of thyroid nodules. The doctor places a special probe into the thyroid nodule and then turns on the radiofrequency current.

Am I a Good Candidate for Thyroid Ablation?

Thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective alternative to thyroid surgery and hormone replacement. The procedure is suitable for reducing or eliminating benign thyroid nodules that are causing discomfort due to pressure on the vocal cords, trachea, or esophagus. It is also recommended for asymptomatic thyroid nodules that are adversely impacting your appearance.

Thyroid ablation is not recommended for people who are pregnant or who have cardiac pacemakers. RFA is also not used as a thyroid cancer treatment.

How Long Does Thyroid Ablation Take?

Thyroid ablation is generally a short procedure. The exact time needed to complete a session of RFA depends on the size, number, and location of your thyroid nodules; between 15 and 60 minutes is normal.

Because thyroid ablation is an outpatient procedure, you do not need to stay at a hospital overnight. You can complete your treatment in an afternoon and be back to work the next day.

Is Thyroid Ablation Painful?

Thyroid RFA is performed using a local anesthetic to numb the skin on the throat. This ensures that you won’t feel any discomfort when the needle is inserted. An ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the location of the nodules, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

The thyroid gland has no pain receptors, so you won’t be able to feel the heat from the ablation needle. However, you may feel some pressure as the needle moves.

You may experience some minor swelling or tenderness at the needle insertion site following the procedure. You can manage any discomfort using over-the-counter pain relievers and an ice pack.

Does Thyroid Ablation Cause Side Effects?

Thyroid ablation can cause mild side effects in some patients. They are quite uncommon; mild side effects related to RFA include temporary voice change, long-term voice change, nodule rupture, hematoma, hypothyroidism, accidental nerve damage, or infection.

There is also a risk that healthy tissue adjacent to the treatment area may come into contact with and be damaged by the electrically charged needle.

What is the Recovery Period for Thyroid Ablation?

Because thyroid ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, the associated recovery period is much shorter than surgery. You will be free to resume your regular activities almost immediately, with the average recovery period taking between 24 and 48 hours.

What Happens to the Nodules After Radiofrequency Ablation?

After being destroyed during RFA, the nodule cells are removed by your body’s immune system. You may notice a significant reduction in the appearance and volume of your nodules within two to three weeks; however, solid nodules typically take longer to decrease in size than cystic nodules.

You can expect between a 40% and 60% size reduction within the first three months and up to a 90% reduction after the first year.