Overview | Preparation Instructions | FAQs
While thyroid surgery is generally safe, risks include the potential for bleeding, nerve damage, gland disruption, neck scar, and hypothyroidism (which could require lifelong hormone replacement medication). For those who wish to treat thyroid nodules without surgery, the doctors at Carolina Endovascular offer thyroid nodule ablation.
This minimally invasive, outpatient procedure uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to destroy the cells within thyroid nodules. After extensive local numbing, a small needle is guided by ultrasound visualization into the thyroid nodule. The doctor then activates the tip of the needle to heat up and destroy the nodule tissue. Most patients describe this as painless, often easier than a thyroid nodule biopsy. The procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes to fully treat the nodule. Patients leave with a small bandaid. No significant aftercare is needed besides occasional ice pack use or mild over the counter pain medication if soreness is present after the procedure. This treatment is highly effective and helps to preserve normal thyroid function.
While thyroid nodule ablation is performed at a few centers in North Carolina, Dr. Suttle is the most experienced in the region. Patients have traveled from all along the East Coast to seek his expert care for their thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodule ablation is currently offered exclusively at our Greensboro office, where Dr. Suttle is based and performs these procedures. However, patients from other areas can still begin with a convenient virtual consultation to discuss their symptoms and determine if they are a candidate for treatment. Additionally, you can avoid many of the hassles of going to the hospital for this procedure, such as paying for parking, long waiting periods, and potential exposure to very ill patients.
Carolina Endovascular delivers a very different experience. With our primary focus on you, we deliver a level of concierge-style service uncommon in healthcare today. Our doctors are just as experienced as hospital doctors; in fact, they used to work at hospitals and have extensive experience performing these procedures. Our staff has all the required safety equipment and training. Additionally, the same procedure costs less at our center, which can save you money when it comes to insurance deductibles and co-pays.
Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. The area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic, and many patients say it feels similar to — or easier than — a thyroid biopsy. Mild soreness or swelling afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
The procedure usually takes about 20–30 minutes to complete. Because it is performed in an outpatient setting, patients go home the same day shortly after a brief observation period.
Recovery is typically very quick. Most patients:
There are no stitches and minimal downtime compared to surgery.
Clinical studies show thyroid ablation can reduce nodule size by approximately 50–80% within one year, though typically within the first 3 months. Many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms such as neck pressure, swallowing difficulty, and visible swelling. Some nodules may continue shrinking for more than a year after treatment.
One of the major benefits of thyroid nodule ablation is that it preserves healthy thyroid tissue. Most patients maintain normal thyroid hormone levels and do not require lifelong thyroid medication, which can sometimes occur after surgical thyroid removal.
Thyroid surgery is generally safe but involves general anesthesia, an incision in the neck, and a longer recovery period. Thyroid ablation avoids many surgical risks, including scarring and higher complication rates, making it an attractive option for many patients with benign nodules.
No surgical incision is required. The procedure uses a very small needle puncture site that typically leaves little to no visible mark once healed.
Most thyroid nodules are benign. Your doctor may recommend ultrasound imaging and a biopsy to confirm this before proceeding with ablation. Thyroid nodule ablation is typically performed only for benign nodules.
Our team will work with you and your insurance provider to determine expected costs before treatment.