BENGALURU: In a landmark advancement for non-surgical thyroid care, doctors at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, have successfully treated a complex, non-cancerous thyroid lump in a 41-year-old woman using a novel, needle-based procedure.
The breakthrough treatment combined two established medical techniques—Direct Puncture Embolisation and Microwave Ablation—in a single sitting. Performed by an Interventional Radiology team led by Dr. Naveen Chandrashekhar, this dual-action approach marks the first reported case of its kind.
A Complex Case
The patient, a software engineer from Bengaluru, had noticed a painless swelling on the right side of her neck nearly three years ago. Medical evaluations confirmed the lump was benign, but it continued to grow over time, reaching a volume of nearly 16 cubic centimetres.
Detailed imaging at Gleneagles BGS Hospital revealed that the nodule was fed by an unusually large blood vessel. Standard heat-based therapies alone posed a high risk of failure or recurrence, as the rapid blood flow would cool the area and dilute the heat’s effectiveness.
To overcome this, the medical team devised a tailored, two-step approach:
Direct Puncture Embolisation: Blocking the primary blood supply directly to starve the lump.
Microwave Ablation: Immediately applying controlled thermal energy during the same session to destroy the remaining target tissue.
Key Highlights of the Procedure
Minimally Invasive: The entire 90-minute procedure was conducted under local anesthesia using a standard IV cannula guided by ultrasound.
No Radiation or Scarring: By bypassing the need for specialized catheters and a radiation-heavy cath-lab, the team eliminated radiation exposure, leaving no stitches or visible scars.
Rapid Recovery: The patient remained awake throughout, experienced no complications, and was discharged on the same day.
Dramatic Results: Follow-up scans showed the nodule shrank drastically from 16 cc down to 3 cc, virtually eliminating the visible neck swelling while keeping the surrounding healthy thyroid gland fully intact.
Expert Insights
Explaining the approach, Dr. Naveen Chandrashekhar, Consultant Interventional Radiologist, noted that combining these techniques resolved the challenges posed by high-vascularity nodules.
“By performing the procedure entirely under ultrasound guidance with standard medical tools, we simplified the process, reduced treatment costs, avoided surgical risks, and preserved vital organ function,” said Dr. Chandrashekhar. “While suitable for carefully selected patients, this innovation opens doors to making advanced thyroid care far more accessible and affordable.”
Sharing her experience, the patient expressed relief at avoiding traditional surgery:
“I was worried about surgical scars and a long recovery. The team explained everything clearly, and the procedure went smoothly. Today, the swelling is almost entirely gone, and my recovery was much faster than I expected.”
Highlighting the hospital’s clinical focus, Mr. Ravi Bagali, COO of Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, praised the clinical team’s innovation. He emphasized that the facility remains committed to pioneering safer, precise, and patient-friendly treatment options that eliminate the need for invasive surgery whenever possible.
City Today News 9341997936
You must be logged in to post a comment.