Overview

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating the body’s metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and hormone balance. Thyroid disorders, especially thyroid nodules and enlarged thyroid glands, are common and may cause symptoms such as swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hormonal imbalance, or cosmetic concerns. Modern Interventional Radiology techniques offer safe and minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery for treating certain thyroid conditions. These treatments are performed using image guidance such as ultrasound and allow precise targeting of the affected area while preserving healthy thyroid tissue.

Our department offers advanced thyroid treatment procedures including:

  • Thyroid Nodule Ablation

  • Thyroid Artery Embolization

These procedures are performed by highly trained specialists using cutting-edge technology to ensure safety, accuracy, and faster recovery.

What is Thyroid Nodule Ablation?

Thyroid Nodule Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign thyroid nodules without surgery. The treatment works by delivering heat energy directly into the nodule, causing the abnormal tissue to shrink over time.

The procedure is commonly performed using Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or other thermal ablation techniques under ultrasound guidance.

Conditions Treated

  • Large thyroid nodules

  • Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

  • Patients who cannot undergo surgery

  • Recurrent thyroid problems after surgery

How the Procedure Works

  • The procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and ensure patient comfort.
  • Using real-time ultrasound guidance, a thin specialized needle or probe is inserted directly into the thyroid nodule.

  • Controlled thermal energy (such as radiofrequency or microwave energy) is delivered through the probe to target and destroy the abnormal nodule tissue.

  • The treated tissue gradually shrinks over time while the surrounding healthy thyroid tissue remains preserved.

Benefits

  • No surgical incision

  • Minimal pain

  • Outpatient procedure

  • Quick recovery

  • Preserves normal thyroid function

  • Reduced risk compared to surgery

  • Minimal scarring

What is Thyroid Artery Embolization?

Thyroid Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive treatment used to reduce blood supply to an enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid nodules. By blocking the arteries that feed the thyroid tissue, the gland gradually shrinks and symptoms improve.

This procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist using advanced imaging techniques.

Conditions Treated

  • Large thyroid nodules

  • Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

  • Patients who cannot undergo surgery

  • Hyperthyroidism in selected cases

  • Recurrent thyroid problems after surgery

How the Procedure Works

  • A small catheter is inserted through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin.

  • Using real-time imaging (angiography), the catheter is guided to the thyroid arteries.

  • Tiny embolic particles are injected to block the blood supply to the abnormal thyroid tissue.

  • The reduced blood flow causes the gland or nodules to shrink gradually.

Benefits

  • Non-surgical treatment option

  • No large incisions

  • Reduced bleeding risk

  • Faster recovery time

  • Short hospital stay

  • Effective symptom relief