Radiofrequency thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules
The Radiology of the Aou of Sassari introduces a new mini-invasive method, which does not require surgical interventions and offers a new therapeutic approach for symptomatic patients.
Sassari 16 May 2024 – Various targeted and low-invasive interventions that have allowed us to keep there functionality from the thyroid and, within 24 hours, allowed the patients to return home. They were created for the first time in the Aou of Sassari and saw a strong synergy between the structures of the Viale San Pietro company. The method used, considered cutting-edge, is thermoablation with radiofrequency of the benign thyroid nodules. The first treatments, on patients with an average age of 50 years, were carried out in angiography roomon the second floor of Clemente Palace.
The structures involved in these interventions are those of Emergency and interventional radiological sciences directed by the professor Salvatore Masala, Vascular and interventional radiology directed by Dr Aldo Pischedda, Endocrinology and nutritional diseases and the replacement directed by Dr Mario Palermo, General and emergency surgery directed by the professor Fabrizio Scognamillo And Anesthesia, pain medicine and palliative care directed by the teacher Sandra Magnoni.
The process involves patients being taken care of and selected by the Endocrinology team, in close collaboration with the endocrinological surgeon. Ilia Pisano. Patients therefore undergo the same preparation as for surgery. After a multidisciplinary evaluation with Interventional Radiology they are booked for the procedure.
«It does not require surgical incisions – explains the doctor Francesco Pintus the interventional radiologist who performed the operations – and is able to reduce the volume of the thyroid nodules.” The treatment is performed in local anesthesiawith light sedation and the procedure, under ultrasound guidance, lasts a few minutes.
«Basically – he explains again specialist – the interventional radiologist introduces an electrode needle into the nodule and, through a radiofrequency generator, produces a thermal effect on the tissue which leads to necrosis of the nodule and reduces its size”. The part that becomes necrotic will therefore be replaced over time by fibrous scar tissue. In essence, the technique consists in “burning” the tissue that makes up the nodule, exploiting the heat released by an energy source.
Thermal ablation is indicated for the treatment of benign solid or partially cystic nodules of the thyroid. Before surgery, however, it is necessary to have confirmation of the benign nature of the thyroid nodule. In fact, as a preliminary step, the endocrinologist performs a cytological examination using fine needle aspiration or, in rare cases, an ultrasound-guided biopsy.
«It is important to underline that not all patients can therefore undergo this operation – he further specifies Pintus –. In fact, these are symptomatic patients, i.e. those who present local symptoms such as, for example, difficulty swallowing.”
«This is an important innovation – adds the professor Salvatore Masala – because it allows us to expand the healthcare offering for our fellow citizens who, previously, were also operated on surgically for this type of operation. Or, again, they were forced to move beyond the Tyrrhenian Sea. Thanks to the strong synergy that we have created between the various company structures involved, the Sassari AOU can guarantee a new effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option.”
