Richard J. Harding, MD has been evaluating and removing hundreds of thyroid glands per year for the past twenty five years. He is very pleased to introduce a non-surgical treatment for large benign thyroid nodules. This new method applies internal energy to the thyroid nodules to effectively destroy problematic tissue without injuring the healthy outer thyroid gland.
PT7 preRFA anterior view
PT 7 pre procedure lat view
PT7 one month post procedure
PT7 post 30 ant
Pt 9 PreOp
Pt 9 preOplat
Pt9 prelat
Pt9 preant
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pt9 post1molat
pt9 3 months ant
Pt 9 3 month lat
Pt10 preant11 preprocedure anterior view
pt10 prelat ( Pre treatment)
Pt10 30 days lat
Patient 10 with significant improvement
Pt10 30 days
PT 10 ant 90 days
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Slide the dividers back and forth to see the before and after images.
slide the dividers back and forth to see the before and after images
slide the dividers back and forth to see the before and after images
The benefits are the elimination of the symptoms by shrinking the large nodule while preserving thyroid function.
Over the years many people have inquired about simply removing just the symptomatic nodules and leaving the residual healthy thyroid tissue during a thyroid operation. Although the concept is relevant, the attempt to perform this type of operation would lead to complications such as bleeding during and after surgery. The healing process to this complex procedure would create more problems than it solves. For this reason the removal of the entire thyroid lobe is always advised.
However, with this new minimally invasive Radiofrequency technique, the energy can be applied under precise ultrasound guidance. The injury to the healthy tissue is minimized. Post procedure scarring, discomfort, and bleeding is minimal. The normal functioning thyroid lobe is preserved while the thyroid nodule shrinks in size over a short period of time. The objectives are accomplished through a pinhole incision under local anesthesia.
The use of radiofrequency in thyroid nodules has been utilized in Korea since 2002. The Korean and Italian protocols for benign thyroid disease has been studied internationally and are accepted for safe and effective therapies. The tremendous success of this treatment has created demand around the globe, only to be recently approved in the United States by the FDA in late 2018. Currently there are very few providers in the United States who perform this technique. Dr Harding is one of few providers in the southwest who is trained and equipped to offer this innovative office based therapy
Richard J. Harding MD has been on the forefront of surgical advances since arriving to Phoenix, Arizona. He was the first to perform many of the advanced laparoscopic and robotic operations at his hospitals. Always on a mission to improve patient satisfaction, he was one of the first surgeons in the US to perform remote access robotic laparoscopic thyroid surgery in 2010. He continues to advance techniques for truly scar-less surgery with his introduction of Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach to Arizona in 2018. With over 25 years of performing ultrasound based diagnostic interventions, including saphenous vein ablation, he has now mastered ultrasound based therapies for the thyroid gland. Now using the same unique expertise, he introduces the radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules to Arizona and the southwest.
Patients who have thyroid nodule symptoms will receive a comprehensive evaluation including neck ultrasound, ultrasound guided biopsies, and thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablation in one location. In order to be a candidate for the radiofrequency ablation, a patient needs two sequential biopsies to prove that they do not have a thyroid cancer. Those who are not candidates for this procedure will have the opportunity to discuss other surgical options available to them.
If you have a large troubling thyroid mass but have been reluctant to undergo surgery, this treatment is ideal. You will not lose existing thyroid function or need thyroid medication after this procedure. There is lower risk and shorter recovery time compared with surgery. You can return to your usual routine within 24 hours after the procedure. Cosmetic neck deformities from large nodules shrink in weeks. Symptoms of tightness and foreign body sensation dissipate quickly.
Currently the evaluation of the thyroid nodules is covered by insurance companies. However, radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules is not considered a recognized benefit. We are hopeful this will change as the exciting success of thyroid RFA will certainly lead to fewer operations for benign disease. This therapy will save the patient and the entire healthcare system a considerable amount of money. As the healthcare community and patients continue to advocate for this non-surgical solution of benign thyroid nodules, the availability to utilize insurance healthcare benefits will increase.
Please feel free to call my office to inquire about this new exciting and effective treatment.
