Northside Hospital has expanded the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat select patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer, offering a noninvasive alternative to surgery.
Dr. Bryan Whitfield, an endocrine surgeon with Chattahoochee Surgical Group, performed the health system’s first thyroid cancer RFA procedure on Jan. 29 at Northside Hospital Forsyth. He previously performed Northside’s first thyroid RFA procedure in April 2025.
Thyroid surgery can result in a visible scar, extended recovery and an increased risk of lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. RFA allows eligible patients to avoid surgery while preserving thyroid function and returning to daily activities more quickly.
Northside uses the STARmed Thyroid RFA system, which applies targeted radiofrequency energy under ultrasound guidance to destroy cancerous thyroid tissue without an incision. The outpatient procedure typically requires a single treatment.
“Radiofrequency ablation is an exciting, cutting-edge option for select patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer,” Dr. Whitfield said. “As outlined in the American Thyroid Association’s 2025 guidelines, patients no longer have to decide between watch-and-wait versus thyroidectomy."
"With RFA, they can now forgo the incision, drastically lower the odds of hypothyroidism, and treat their cancer,” he added.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, with a total visit time of about one to two hours, including preparation and recovery. Treated nodules often shrink by 60% to 75% within three months and up to 90% within one year.
Northside’s expansion of thyroid RFA provides eligible patients with a no-scar, outpatient treatment option that combines advanced technology with faster recovery.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SURGICAL SERVICES AVAILABLE AT NORTHSIDE.
Pictured above, from left: Sara Williams, clinical supervisor, Northside Hospital Surgical Services; Heather Jackson, RN, Surgical Services; Jordan Gibbs, surgical technologist, Surgical Services; Dr. Bryan Whitfield; Erica Morales, surgical services coordinator; and Nick Ehret, CAA, Surgical Services, all with Northside Hospital.
