Radiofrequency ablation - a step forward in the treatment of benign goiter

Phu Yen Newspaper interviewed Dr. Tran Minh Bao Luan, Deputy Head of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, about the application of radiofrequency waves (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid tumors.

Dr. Tran Minh Bao Luan (right) performs ultrasound evaluation before instructing on performing high-frequency radio wave ablation technique to treat benign thyroid tumors at Phu Yen General Hospital. Photo: YEN LAN

* Doctor, what are the advantages of radiofrequency ablation to treat benign thyroid tumors compared to previous surgical treatments?

- Radiofrequency treatment, the first advantage is that there is no incision like surgical treatment. It is just a needle puncture, leaving almost no scar. Second, when using radiofrequency to burn, the surgeon only burns the exact lesion, protecting the thyroid tissue and thus will not lead to hypothyroidism. Of course, surgical treatment as before does not always lead to hypothyroidism, but at least in theory it does.

* According to the doctor, does Phu Yen General Hospital have the conditions to deploy high-frequency radio wave ablation technique in the treatment of benign thyroid tumors at the unit?

- Phu Yen General Hospital has almost all the facilities to implement this technique. Regarding human resources, the hospital has also sent doctors for training, especially at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The remaining problem is to receive technology transferred from higher levels and master the technology.

It is best to follow the advice of regular health check-ups: every 6 months to 1 year. During the examination, there is also a thyroid ultrasound, so that abnormalities in the thyroid gland can be detected early.

Dr. Tran Minh Bao Luan,

Deputy Head of Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery,

Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy

* In applying high frequency waves to treat benign thyroid tumors, what should doctors pay attention to, doctor?

- The important thing is to select the patient to perform this technique, that is, to accurately diagnose that it is a benign thyroid tumor, because currently we mainly apply high frequency waves to treat benign thyroid nodules, but the application to treat thyroid cancer has not become routine. Second, we know that this minimally invasive technique helps to reduce the size of the thyroid nodule but does not completely eliminate the goiter. Third, to perform this technique well, the operator must be proficient in ultrasound techniques, clearly see the needle tip and the direction of the needle to control everything.

* Doctor, what role does ultrasound play in identifying and treating benign thyroid tumors with radiofrequency waves?

- Ultrasound is extremely important, because ultrasound images will help doctors assess the risk factors of a goiter based on the scale on the ultrasound image, it can be benign or malignant. At the same time, ultrasound helps measure the size, evaluate the number and size of the nodules in the goiter to select and carefully advise the patient before performing the procedure. In addition, ultrasound is also very important and necessary in performing the procedure, because it acts as a guiding light for the procedure.

* According to the doctor, how should each person listen to their body to screen, detect early and effectively treat benign thyroid tumors?

- It is best to follow the advice of regular health check-ups: every 6 months to 1 year, go for a health check-up. During the examination, there is an ultrasound to check the thyroid gland, so that abnormalities in the thyroid gland can be detected early. Later on, thyroid tumors are detected more often because of better screening by ultrasound. Lesions and thyroid nodules are very small, only a few millimeters, and doctors will never feel them when examining clinically by palpation, but can be detected by ultrasound.

* Thank you, doctor!

Source: https://baophuyen.vn/suc-khoe/202504/dot-song-cao-tan-buoc-tien-trong-dieu-tri-buou-giap-lanh-tinh-d07592c/