Innovative, needle-based procedure successfully treats a benign thyroid nodule without surgery, preserving healthy tissue and enabling rapid recovery.
Bengaluru, 24 July 2026: Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru (a unit of Fortis Healthcare), has achieved a landmark milestone in thyroid care. The hospital’s Interventional Radiology team, led by Dr. Naveen Chandrashekhar, Consultant Interventional Radiologist, successfully performed a first-of-its-kind combined procedure to treat a highly vascular, non-cancerous thyroid nodule in a 41-year-old woman. The dual-action approach integrated Direct Puncture Embolisation (blocking the nodule’s primary blood supply) and Microwave Ablation (destroying the tissue using controlled heat) in a single sitting.
While both methods are established treatments individually, this marks the first reported case where they have been combined simultaneously to tackle a complex thyroid lump.
The Case and Challenge
The patient, a 41-year-old software engineer, had noticed a painless swelling on the right side of her neck nearly three years ago. Over time, the benign nodule expanded to approximately 16 cubic centimetres (cc). Advanced evaluation at Gleneagles BGS Hospital revealed that the growth was being fed by an unusually large blood vessel.
Standard heat-based therapies alone posed a high risk of failure. High blood flow acts like a cooling system, reducing the thermal intensity of the ablation and significantly increasing the chances of the nodule recurring.
A Novel, Two-Step Strategy
To overcome these anatomical challenges, the medical team devised a precise, two-step intervention performed during the same session:
- Direct Puncture Embolisation: The dominant blood vessel feeding the growth was targeted and blocked to stop the blood flow.
- Microwave Ablation: Controlled microwave energy was delivered to heat and collapse the benign nodule safely.
By neutralizing the blood supply first, the team maximized the thermal efficiency of the ablation, ensuring complete treatment while preventing future recurrence.
Key Clinical Advantages
Unlike standard endovascular treatments that rely on specialized catheters and catheterization laboratories (cath labs), this entire procedure was executed under ultrasound guidance using a standard IV cannula. This approach offered major benefits:
- Zero Radiation: Eliminating the need for fluoroscopy saved the patient from X-ray radiation exposure.
- Minimally Invasive: Performed under local anesthesia in just 90 minutes, the procedure left no surgical scars or stitches.
- Fast Recovery: The patient remained conscious throughout, experienced no surgical complications, and was discharged on the same day.
- Organ Preservation: The surrounding healthy thyroid tissue was left completely intact.
Following the procedure, the thyroid nodule shrunk dramatically from 16 cc to nearly 3 cc. The neck swelling virtually disappeared, delivering an excellent cosmetic and clinical result.
Commenting on the breakthrough, Dr. Naveen Chandrashekhar stated:
“Microwave ablation is an effective treatment, but high vascularity can dissipate heat and lead to recurrence. By combining direct puncture embolisation to block blood supply right before microwave ablation, we achieved optimal treatment depth in one setting. Performing this entirely under ultrasound guidance with an IV cannula avoids costly equipment and radiation while preserving the thyroid gland. While suitable for carefully selected patients, this technique holds great promise for making advanced thyroid care more accessible.”
Mr. Ravi Bagali, COO of Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, added:
“This milestone underscores our commitment to clinical excellence and pioneering medical techniques. Successfully executing this unique procedure showcases our Interventional Radiology team’s skill in providing safer, precise, and less invasive alternatives to traditional surgery. We remain dedicated to offering world-class, patient-centric care.”
Expressed her relief, the patient shared: “I was worried I would need major neck surgery. Dr. Naveen and his team explained the procedure clearly, giving me confidence. Avoiding surgery and recovering so quickly was a huge relief—the swelling is almost entirely gone.”
About Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru
Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, is a tertiary care hospital offering advanced multi-specialty medical services, cutting-edge technology, and expert clinical care under the Fortis Healthcare Network.
