This Health Facts for You will tell you how to prepare for and care for yourself after thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Getting Ready for Treatment
Safety Guidelines
Tell your doctor if you:
Have a pacemaker.
Have any implants.
Are pregnant.
Are on any blood thinning medicine.
Diet
Stop all food 6 hours before. Clear liquids are okay.
Medicines
We will review the list of your medicines. We will tell you if need to make any changes before RFA treatment. Most medicines will not affect your treatment. If you are taking blood thinners, please talk to your doctor to see when you should stop taking them. If you take aspirin, we suggest you stop taking it for 1 week before treatment.
Anti-Anxiety Medicine
We can give you medicine (Valium 5 mg) to help with anxiety during the treatment. This will be given to you in the procedure room 45-60 minute before treatment.
Once you take Valium, you cannot drive a car. You should plan to have someone drive you to and from your visit.
What to Wear
Do not wear makeup, lipstick, or any metal jewelry.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. We can also give you a hospital gown to change into if needed.
Do not wear clothing that covers the neck.
Insurance
RFA is a newer treatment so some insurance plans may not cover this treatment. Patients will need to pay for any costs not covered by insurance. We can help you contact your insurance to learn about coverage.
During Treatment
Treatment Process
During RFA treatment, you will lay on your back on an exam table with your neck slightly extended. We will attach two grounding pads to both thighs to prevent skin burn. We may need to shave the thighs to place the grounding pads.
It is normal to feel pressure, minor pain, and hear a popping noise during the treatment. It should not cause intense pain. Please let your provider know if you feel intense or sharp pain.
The treatment itself takes about 30-60 minutes. This depends on the number and size of the nodule(s). You will spend another 1-2 hours in the hospital for your prep andrecovery time.
Care After Treatment
Activity
No soaking in a bathtub for 48 hours
No lifting over 10 lbs or do any strenuous activity for 7 days.
Just relax after treatment. You can return to your normal routine the day after treatment.
In most cases, RFA will not affect your energy or strength. If you feel any sudden change in your energy level, please contact your doctor right away.
If you took anti-anxiety medicine, for the next 24 hours, do not:
Drive
Operate heavy equipment/machines
Make any important decisions
Drink alcohol
Take any sedating drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids, unless approved by a doctor
Diet
You may resume your normal diet. Drink plenty of fluids.
Medicine
If you have pain after treatment. You can take pain medicine such as ibuprofen and Tylenol®. You can keep taking your other regular medicine.
Wound Care/Dressings
You may remove the Band-Aid or dressing after a few hours and take a shower.
Scars
You will not scar. There will be a small mark from the needle for about 1-2 days. Any scarring would be uncommon.
Follow Up
Follow up will include a visit with another ultrasound and thyroid function test at 3 and 12 months after your procedure.
Success of Treatment
Most patients see the nodules start to decrease in size about 2-4 weeks after treatment. The nodule will keep shrinking over the next year. The nodule will not completely disappear, but it should shrink between 60-80%.
One procedure should be enough to reduce the size of a nodule and improve symptoms. Some patients benefit from a second round of treatment. This depends on the size of the nodule and how many you have.
When to Call
Call if you have any questions or concerns. Please seek medical help right away if you have:
Redness, tenderness, swelling, or drainage from the procedure site.
Chills or a fever above 101°F.
Dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
Trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing
