A Sabah ‘first’ on thyroid
Published on: Sunday, May 05, 2024
Microwave ablation for a thyroid nodule.
Kota Kinabalu: The first microwave ablation procedure to treat a thyroid nodule has been successfully performed in a ground-breaking medical milestone for Sabah.
This pioneering achievement was made possible through the expertise of Dr Chandran Nadarajan, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Gleneagles Hospital, and Dr. Aida Shazlin Hamiddin, Interventional Radiologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
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The breakthrough procedure represents a significant advancement in interventional radiology and offers promising new treatment options for thyroid disorders in Sabah and beyond.
Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive technique that provides patients with an alternative to conventional surgery for treating symptomatic benign thyroid nodules.
These nodules can often cause discomfort, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and negatively impact a patient’s quality of life.
Dr Chandran and staff.
The ablation procedure works by using heat to shrink or destroy the nodule, effectively alleviating symptoms without the need for extensive surgery.
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However, it’s important to note that microwave ablation carries potential risks, including pain, bleeding, and possible damage to nearby structures in the neck or throat area.
Additionally, there are concerns about using this technique for potentially cancerous nodules, as it could mask the presence of cancer and delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Dr Chandran’s pioneering achievement highlights the importance of careful patient evaluation and meticulous treatment planning when considering microwave ablation for thyroid nodule management.
While the new technique offers promising possibilities, its appropriate use requires a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s unique circumstances and the characteristics of their nodule.
Ongoing innovation and collaboration within the medical community will be crucial in further advancing patient care in this area.
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