Thyroid Ablation: Patient Selection and Follow Up with Dr. Bülent ?eki? from Turkey ????

Dr. Bülent ?eki??has treated over 4000 thyroid ablation cases, and in some days treats as many as 28 patients.

Thyroid ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that has become an effective treatment option for patients with benign thyroid nodules. The procedure involves the use of thermal energy to destroy the thyroid tissue and shrink the nodule, ultimately relieving the patient of symptoms associated with the nodule.

However, not all thyroid nodules are suitable for ablation, and patient selection is crucial in determining the success of the procedure.

Dr. Bülent ?eki??is an Interventional Radiologist from Turkey who has treated over 4,000 cases of thyroid ablation in the past 7 years, making him an expert in the field. In this podcast, we will discuss the patient selection and follow-up after thyroid ablation with Dr. ?eki?.

Patient Selection

Dr. ?eki? emphasized that patient selection is vital in determining the success of thyroid ablation. The best candidates for thyroid ablation are nodules with spongy form echo structures, high liquid component, and intense peripheral or intranodal patterns of vascularity. Dr. ?eki? also uses shear elastography, an ultrasound method to measure the stiffness of the nodule, which is critical in determining the effectiveness of ablation. In his clinical practice, he found that nodules with a stiffness value under 30 kilopascals have a minimum 70 percent reduction rate.

The volume of the nodule is also an essential factor in determining whether the nodule is suitable for ablation. Nodules under ten centimeters are better candidates for ablation, while nodules between ten to fifteen centimeters may require a second session of treatment.

Cosmetic score is also an important factor in patient selection. Dr. ?eki? recommends selecting nodules with a high cosmetic score as most patients want to see the results after the procedure. Patients with nodules with low echogenicity, high microcalcifications, or stiffness (above 50 kilopascal) are not good candidates for ablation.

Follow Up

Follow-up after thyroid ablation is crucial in monitoring the patient’s progress and identifying any potential complications. Dr. ?eki? recommends that patients undergo follow-up visits at three months, six months, and one year after the procedure.

During the follow-up visits, Dr. ?eki? evaluates the patient’s symptoms, measures the nodule’s size, and performs ultrasound imaging to monitor the nodule’s characteristics. If the nodule’s size has not decreased significantly, additional treatment may be necessary. In rare cases, patients may experience complications such as pain, hoarseness, or skin burns. Dr. ?eki? stressed the importance of monitoring patients for these complications and treating them accordingly.

Thyroid ablation is an effective treatment option for patients with benign or malignant thyroid nodules.

Patient selection is crucial in determining the success of the procedure, and nodules with spongy form echo structures, high liquid component, and intense peripheral or intranodal patterns of vascularity are the best candidates for ablation.

Follow-up visits are essential in monitoring the patient’s progress and identifying any potential complications. Dr. ?eki?’s experience in patient selection and follow-up has led to his success in treating over 4,000 cases of thyroid ablation.

About Dr. Bülent ?eki?

Dr. Bülent ?eki? is a leading expert in thyroid thermal ablation, specifically microwave and radiofrequency ablation. He has treated over 3500 cases using these methods since 2013, and has published 8 articles on the topic in Pubmed.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. ?eki? has also organized 14 workshops on thyroid thermal ablation in his own clinic and 7 workshops in various countries. These workshops have been attended by a total of 40 local and 70 international doctors.

Dr. ?eki? has also presented on thyroid thermal ablation at international interventional radiology congresses such as CCMA, CIRSE, TRD, TGRD, and PAIRS.?

In recent years, he has also begun offering thyroid artery embolization as a non-surgical treatment option for Plonjuan goiter and diffuse goiter, and has treated nearly 70 cases using this method.

Dr. Bulent Cekic is currently working as a chief at the Antalya Research and Training Hospital. He has received his MD from Ataturk University. He specialized in Interventional Radiology.

Language Spoken: Turkish, German, English

View Full Profile:?Dr. Bülent ?eki?

About Philip James

In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.

Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.

The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, ‘tonglen’. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.