Ethanol Ablation

[Maggiesmum]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has experienced Ethanol Ablation on thyroid lobe? The last post I can find was 2yrs ago. I guess it must be more in use now. My husband was scheduled for right lobe removal operation next Thursday then received a letter from his Consultant yesterday saying that on checking his CT scan they thought he would be suitable for Ethanol Ablation. Hubby has a large goitre which apparently was found many years ago but nobody told him!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

If I was offered a less invasive option over surgery I would definitely opt for it.

It the thyroid swelling causing swallowing or other physical issues?

Ensure a full thyroid test is taken prior to any procedure. TSH, FT4 & FT3 Thyroid antibodies & key nutrients.

He may have been told function isn’t affected, but this could be based on normal TSH. or is he currently having medication/ replacement?

It’s not often discussed on forum unfortunately & I’ve seen more discussion on RFA. often it privately funded & involve travel overseas, because it’s rarely offered as an option, or even mentioned as a potential treatment, especially outside of the few hospital which have it set up to do.

Info on less invasive treatment options for benign thyroid nodules

btf-thyroid.org/less-invasi...

This study - from nice document may also be of interest.

nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg562...

[Maggiesmum in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi PurpleNails, thanks for your response.

Totally agree with going for the less invasive option which he plans to do and has requested an appointment with the Consultant to discuss. Brief history - NO thyroid issues/treatment. Last 18-24 months occasional retching on eating, unable to identify what food causes this so now virtually mashing all food and taking ages to eat. Last Sept in Italy faced with an absolutely delicious fillet steak which we'd travelled over an hour for he had a really bad retching episode, so embarrassing, the restaurant gave us a discount!! Lost my patience with him, on return home took him to GP who thought chest infection and sent for chest X-ray. Few days later panic stations, GP rang as Radiologist had rang her, identified large retrosternal goitre, was put on 2 week cancer referral. GP referred to hospital consultant who commented that due to age, 78, wouldn't operate. Attended hospital on 8 occasions, complete farce, saw different consultant from the 1 who commented. Consultant initially said "I'll remove right side lobe". The Radiologist when doing 1st FNA actually said "if this is cancer you'd be dead because you've had it for years", can't remember date but something like 2009 when apparently it was picked up on a previous chest x-ray. Following 3 FNAs, 2 CT scans, Consultant states "it's up to you what you want to do I can't advise"!!!

Requested a referral to another hospital, we're in the North East. Totally different experience. Saw Consultant who had looked through the records and said he'll operate to remove goitre ASAP, taking into account our holiday then his, will keep in hospital overnight because we live 55 miles away. This all happened in about 4 weeks, brilliant and very confident in Consultant. Op arranged for this coming Thursday then on Friday letter arrived addressed to our GP stating that "patient is ideal candidate for Ethanol Ablation which will be carried out by my colleague and a Radiologist if he agrees to this". Letter typed 15th posted 2nd class arrived 24th. Hubby rang hospital, able to speak to a secretary, option either to continue with op on Thursday or cancel op, unable to speak to Consultant before planned op to discuss. Decided to cancel op and requested appointment with Consultant to discuss. Received a text on Saturday with appointment 3.5 weeks time, don't know who with - original Consultant or the EA Consultant. I had previously asked if the goitre could be drained and told no, maybe this option has just recently arrived up here.

[Britpol]

I haven’t had it, had a removal instead but I would check the likelihood of the thyroid regrowing after ablation.,I had my thyroid removed surgically in two stages; first, the left lobe in 2017 , then the right one in 2023 because of goiter. After the first removal, my knowledgeable surgeon said it had roughly 30% probability of regrowing , 30% of not changing and 30% of shrinking. Well, if did regrow, with a vengeance ; the remaining right lobe grew so big that I could not swallow and had to have it removed . Not the same situation, I know, but it is worth asking your specialist about the regrowth and researching on the internet . All the best !

[Maggiesmum in reply to Britpol]

Hi Britpol

Thanks for your reply. Yes regrowth will be the 1st question for whoever we see. At the back of my mind is 'it's his age, they don't want to spend too much money'! The latest Consultant gave so much confidence, obviously very experienced, straightforward and he's worked there 45yrs, so is an older gent. Thought we'd got it all sorted especially as hubby's waiting for 2nd knee replacement as well which they don't want to do until this issue is sorted. Never mind, back on the treadmill no doubt!

[Britpol in reply to Maggiesmum]

Hi, I don’t think the age is the issue but the cost may be. Ask about the cost difference and outcomes . Good luck!