Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation: Why and How Should I Adopt This into My Practice?

Monday, October 13, 2025

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT

Location: 128

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as the most widely adopted ablative technology in the management of benign and malignant thyroid disease. With an excellent profile of safety and efficacy, RFA is altering the treatment paradigm in thyroid disease by offering a non-surgical approach that preserves native thyroid function. In recent years, this procedure has been enthusiastically adopted across medical specialties, including otolaryngology, endocrine surgery, interventional radiology, and endocrinology. Thus, incorporation of RFA in practice will become increasingly valuable to any otolaryngologist performing thyroid surgery. As with any technology introduced into the clinical space, there is great importance and nuance to ideal patient selection, execution, and practice logistics. This panel will focus on principles of RFA, shared decision-making in candidacy, and the practicalities of getting your ablation practice started.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Describe patient candidacy in RFA and the role of shared decision-making.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Establish the principles of safe and effective performance of an RFA procedure.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Discuss strategies for incorporation of RFA into a surgical practice, including equipment, workflow, and coding.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: RFA is a targeted, minimally invasive therapy that allows patients to avoid surgery and preserve thyroid function, and is transforming the management of thyroid nodules. It is necessary that the thyroid surgeon be knowledgeable in this technique to remain current in practice.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

Julia E. Noel, MD

Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor
Stanford University School of Medicine
Cupertino, CA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

Julia E. Noel, MD

Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor
Stanford University School of Medicine
Cupertino, CA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
MR

Marika D. Russell, MD, FACS

Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
GR

Gregory W. Randolph, MD

Professor
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, MA, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Elizabeth E. Cottrill, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.