Northside Hospital introduces radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for thyroid nodules, a noninvasive procedure that offers a quick recovery and minimal risks.
Dr. Bryan Whitfield performed the health system’s first procedure at Northside Hospital Forsyth on April 23.
Why it matters: Thyroid nodules are common, and while most growths are non-cancerous, they can cause discomfort, trouble swallowing, and visible swelling of the neck. Traditional surgery often comes with a scar, downtime and risk of long-term hormone therapy.
Northside is using the STARmed Thyroid RFA system. This innovative treatment provides patients an effective alternative to surgery, preserving thyroid function without lifelong medication and offering a quicker return to work and daily activities.
The big picture: RFA uses ultrasound guidance and radiofrequency energy to shrink thyroid nodules, improving symptoms like difficulty swallowing and neck discomfort with a single outpatient session.
What they’re saying: “Radiofrequency ablation is the next evolutionary step in the minimally invasive treatment of thyroid nodules,” said Dr. Whitfield, who is an endocrine surgeon with Northside Forsyth and Chattahoochee Surgical Group.
- “It is a truly ‘scarless’ approach that not only costs less but also greatly reduces the odds that a patient will require hormone replacement for the rest of their life.”
By the numbers:
- 30–60 minutes for the procedure
- 60–120 minutes total, including prep and recovery
- 60%-75% reduction in nodule size within three months
- Up to 90% reduction after one year
The bottom line: Northside’s rollout of thyroid RFA offers patients a high-tech, no-scar alternative to surgery — with faster recovery and preserved thyroid function.
Learn more about surgical services available at Northside.
Pictured above: From left, Ryan Brooks and Isabella Darwish, clinical specialists with STARmed America; Emma Shipes, Northside operating room RN; Dr. Bryan Whitfield; Jennifer Dover, Northside surgical tech; Sara Williams, Northside Hospital clinical supervisor; and Erica Morales, Northside Hospital surgical services coordinator.
