Your Health and Needs Come First
Dr. lan Orozco is an endocrinologist with specific dedication to Thyroidology. His practice includes all aspects of thyroid disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Dr. Orozco is excited to offer cutting edge technology such as radio frequency ablation.
His goal is to help you feel comfortable and supported throughout the entire process. He uses advanced treatments to help take care of you and avoid any unnecessary surgical procedures.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation, often referred to as RFA, is a non-surgical technique that is used for large benign thyroid nodules and in select cases thyroid cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism. RFA involves the use of an electrode that is directed under ultrasound guidance and then activated to heat the surrounding tissue and destroy a thyroid nodule while preserving normal thyroid tissue and vital structures in the neck. It is a targeted therapy performed under real time ultrasound imaging to preserve the surrounding tissue in the neck. Benign thyroid nodules can be shrunk by over 80% by the use of RFA, thus relieving cosmetic or compressive symptoms (difficulty swallowing, pressure in the neck, or visible neck swelling). The procedure is performed in the office, with local anesthesia and does not require an incision or hospitalization. No
Is the procedure experimental?
Radiofrequency Ablation is covered by most insurances, but in the United States some insurance companies still consider RFA "experimental." Radiofrequency ablation is performed in many countries around the world with the first significant clinical papers on the subject being published 20 years ago. There are now large series of patients over many years that show RFA to be an established treatment in many countries. The physicians at the Center for Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation have performed over 300 RFA cases and are the highest volume practice for Radiofrequency Ablation in the United States.
Why shouldn’t I have surgery?
Surgery is indicated for several thyroid conditions. Thyroid cancer, particularly advanced thyroid cancer, and Graves disease that has failed medical therapy are the major indications for thyroid surgery. In rare instances very large goiters are not amenable to RFA. In the absence of these three conditions, most patients should not seek surgical treatment. Surgery is far more expensive, requires the risks of general anesthesia, requires at least overnight hospitalization, two weeks of recovery, leaves a scar, and is associated with the risk or guarantee of permanent hypothyroidism depending on the type of surgery.
Am I a candidate for RFA?
Most patients without the above specified conditions are candidates for RFA. To insure that it is the appropriate treatment course for an individual patient there are specific blood tests, high quality ultrasound imaging, and often thyroid biopsy or biopsies required in order to proceed with the procedure. There are a handful of medical indications that are also contraindications to RFA and a complete medical history should be obtained prior to considering
What are the advantages of Radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is performed in the office. It does not require general anesthesia, hospitalization, and there is no scar. The procedure takes 20-40 minutes depending on the size of the nodule. RFA is well tolerated and minimal to no pain is the typical experience during the procedure. Local anesthesia as well as other medications as needed to make the procedure as pain free as possible.
How long after a procedure can I go home?
We observe patients in the office for about 30 minutes following the procedure and then are released to go home. Vital signs are monitored and an ice pack is put in place to help prevent swelling during this observation period. Most patients do not require much if anything for pain and Ibuprofen or Motrin is typically sufficient if anything is required at all.
Will I have a scar on my neck?
No. In addition the cost savings and the absence of hospitalization there is no scar following the procedure as a thin needle is used for treatment. There may be a small needle mark and/or bruise for a few days after the treatment but this will heal very quickly and does not leave any long term scarring.
