Radiofrequency Ablation Is A Solution For Unoperative Healing For Tiroids

JAKARTA - Tiroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that plays a major role in metabolism, body temperature, heart function, to skin and hair health.

When a lump appeared in this gland, many patients were worried and immediately thought they had to undergo surgery. But now, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is here as a solution without incision and without hospitalization.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimal invasive procedure, very effective at reducing tame thyroid lumps, and does not require surgery," explained dr. Dicky Levenus Phaseary, Sp.PD-KEMD, PhD, FINASIM, an expert on endocrine, metabolic, and diabetes consultants Eka Hospital BSD, when met in the Cikini area, Jakarta on Monday, July 28, 2025.

RFA is a non-surgery procedure that utilizes radiofrequency waves to destroy thyroid lump tissue. Doctors will insert small needles into bumps with ultrasonographic guidance (USG).

The tip of the needle emits heat energy that damages abnormal cellular tissue in a precise manner without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.

"This procedure allows direct handling of the target, with minimal damage to the normal thyroid tissue," said dr. Dicky.

So far, the standard treatment for thyroid lumps is the operation of removing the glands (thyroidectomi). However, the operation carries a large risk of scars, old recovery, and the possibility of losing thyroid function.

With RFA, patients only need small stabs without incision. The procedure is fast, safe, and patients can go home on the same day," said dr. Dicky.

RFA's advantage:

- Minimally injured and without large scars

- Fast recovery: patients can return to their activities in 1.2 days

- Maintain thyroid function: unlike surgery, thyroid glands are not removed

- Can be repeated if the lump grows again

One of the important advantages of RFA is that thyroid functionality is maintained. This means that patients do not have to take thyroid hormone drugs for life like postoperative, "explained Dr. Dicky.

According to dr. Dicky, RFA is not for all cases. There are criteria that need to be considered before undergoing this procedure. Recommended patients for RFA:

1. Jinak's Tiroid GROUP

- Confirmed via fine needle biopsy (FNAB)

- Especially solid (solid) or mostly dense nodules

2. Imposing Symptoms or Aesthetic Disorders

- Suppressing the throat, causing difficulty swallowing / breathing

- Visible and disturbing appearances

3. Hyperactive Nodules (Hot Nodules)

- Produces excessive hormones (hyperthyroids)

- RFA helps reduce abnormal hormone production

4. Patients Who Don't Want Or Can't Operate

- Refusing surgery due to risks, scars, or medical reasons

- Not suitable for general anesthesia

5. Certain Cancer Cases

- Like microcarcinoma in patients with a high risk of surgery

- Recurrent cancer that is difficult to reach with surgery

"RFA is the ideal choice for patients who are afraid of surgery, or who have had thyroid surgery before and want to avoid re-procedures," explained dr. Dicky.

RFA is performed with local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. The stage of the RFA procedure is that the neck is cleaned and the localchoice. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound to guide the needle to the nodules location.

Then, heat is channeled to destroy abnormal networks. Finally, the patient was observed briefly and then allowed to go home.

"The average procedure time is only 30'60 minutes. Patients do not need to stay and can return to their activities quickly," said dr. Dicky.

While safe, RFA still has minimal risks such as mild local pain, bruises in the puncture area, and temporary voice changes. However, dr. Dicky stressed that serious complications are very rare, especially if experienced doctors do them.