Preserving the Voice: Insights from Dr. Vaninder Dhillon on Thyroid Surgery and Ablation
Release Date: 09/25/2023
The Evolving Landscape of Thyroid Ablation in 2024 with Dr. Mauri
Doctor Thyroid
Innovations and Issues: from the RFAMD podcast hosted by In recent years, a medical revolution has been quietly taking place in the treatment of thyroid conditions. Thyroid ablation, a procedure that offers an alternative to traditional surgery, is gaining popularity across the globe, particularly in the United States following its FDA approval. Dr. , a leading interventional radiologist from Milan and recognized as one of the top 2% scientists by Stanford University, shares insights into the advancements and challenges of this transformative treatment. The concept of thyroid ablation isn't...
info_outline
Navigating Health Information in the Digital Age: Insights from WebMD’s John Whyte
Doctor Thyroid
In a world where misinformation can spread as rapidly as legitimate data, discerning the truth becomes a critical skill—especially when it comes to our health. Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer at WebMD, shares his insights on how patients can navigate the sea of health information online to find trustworthy resources and take control of their personal health. The Power of Information Dr. Whyte begins by emphasizing the importance of quality information, which he argues is more accessible than ever thanks to digital advancements. “Better information leads to better health,” he says,...
info_outline
El Cambio en el Tratamiento del Tiroides: La Adopción de la Ablación Tiroidea en Argentina
Doctor Thyroid
Durante una entrevista detallada en el podcast RFAMD, el anfitrión Philip James conversó con la Dra. Ana Voogd, una distinguida cirujana de cabeza y cuello con más de 30 años de experiencia, sobre la integración gradual de la terapia de ablación tiroidea en el panorama médico de Argentina. La Dra. Voogd, que dirige el departamento de cirugía de cabeza y cuello en uno de los hospitales más grandes de Argentina, proporcionó perspectivas valiosas sobre el enfoque evolutivo del país hacia el cuidado del tiroides. Un Paso Hacia Procedimientos Menos Invasivos La Dra. Voogd explicó la...
info_outline
The Dangers of Thyroid Ablation and its Rapid Adoption
Doctor Thyroid
As the medical community swiftly embraces thyroid ablation, a groundbreaking non-surgical treatment for thyroid nodules, concerns arise about the potential risks associated with its rapid adoption. Key among these concerns is the lack of ultrasound expertise among practitioners and the contentious decision to treat nodules that may be too small to warrant intervention. This article delves into the insights of Dr. Jagdish Dhingra, a seasoned thyroid surgeon, who highlights the crucial balance between leveraging medical innovations and ensuring patient safety through skilled application and...
info_outline
Revolutionizing Thyroid Treatment: Dr. Emad Kandil Advocates for Thyroid Ablation Over Surgery
Doctor Thyroid
In an enlightening episode of the RFAMD podcast, hosted by Philip James, Dr. from casts a new light on the treatment of thyroid conditions, challenging conventional surgical approaches and advocating for the pioneering method of thyroid ablation. This interview not only delves into Dr. Kandil’s personal journey into medicine but also explores the evolving landscape of thyroid treatment, highlighting the potential benefits of ablation over traditional surgery. Personal Journey to Medicine The episode begins with a personal anecdote from Dr. Kandil, tracing his initial...
info_outline
Revolutionizing Thyroid Care: Dr. Julia Noel Discusses Ablation and Innovation on The RFAMD Podcast
Doctor Thyroid
Pioneering the Future of Thyroid Care: A Conversation with Dr. Julia Noel Palo Alto, CA — In a recent episode of the RFAMD podcast, host welcomed a trailblazer in the field of thyroid treatment, Dr. of . Known for her pioneering work in thyroid ablation, Dr. Noel shared insights on the evolving landscape of thyroid care, emphasizing innovative ablation technologies that are reshaping patient experiences. From Mathematics to Medicine Dr. Noel’s journey into the medical field was not typical. Initially drawn to mathematics, inspired by her father, she found...
info_outline
Thyroid Ablation and Quality of Life with Dr. Erivelto Volpi
Doctor Thyroid
Thyroid Ablation: A Game-Changer in Preserving Quality of Life Thyroid disorders, particularly those requiring surgery, have long been a concern for patients due to the potential lifelong dependence on medication and associated quality of life changes. However, a significant shift is occurring in thyroid treatment with the advent of thyroid ablation, a technique that is rapidly gaining preference among patients and physicians alike. The Rise of Thyroid Ablation In a recent podcast interview on RFAMD, , a renowned head and neck surgeon from São Paulo, Brazil, shared his extensive...
info_outline
Thermal Ablation as a Game Changer: It Will Replace 50% of Thyroid Surgeries, Dr. Giovanni Mauri
Doctor Thyroid
FIND A THYROID ABLATION DOCTOR at www.rfamd.com FOLLOW Introduction ⦿ Host: Welcome by the host of the RFAMD podcast. ⦿ Guest: Introduction of Dr. Giovanni Mauri, a medical professional from Milan, Italy. Dr. Mauri's Journey into Medicine ⦿ Childhood Influence: Inspired by his father, a radiologist. ⦿ Career Choice: Fascination with radiology and interventional radiology. ⦿ Family Background: His father worked in diagnostic radiology in an oncological hospital. History of Ablation in Italy ⦿ Early Adoption: Discussion of pioneers in ablation treatments in Italy, starting...
info_outline
UK Doctors Recommended Surgery for Thyroid Goiter, But Italian Doctor Offers Non-Surgical Alternative with RFA
Doctor Thyroid
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. In the world of medicine, it’s not uncommon for patients to feel overwhelmed and uncertain when faced with a diagnosis that requires surgery. For Peter Miller, a 64-year-old man from the UK, this was certainly the case when he was diagnosed with thyroid goiter. Three specialists recommended thyroidectomy as the only viable treatment option, but Peter was hesitant to undergo...
info_outline
Revolutionizing Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Ablation over Surgery with Dr. Giovanni Mauri
Doctor Thyroid
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. In this interview, Dr. , an interventional radiologist specializing in ablation for the treatment of various conditions including , shares his insights with Philip James on the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts. Dr. Mauri highlights one of the recent advancements in the field of ablation – the possibility of treating small thyroid cancers (up to one or two...
info_outlineSeptember is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it.
In a recent episode of the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts, Dr. Vaninder Dhillon, an esteemed laryngologist and ENT surgeon from Johns Hopkins, highlighted the critical issue of voice and swallow risks associated with thyroidectomy and thyroid ablation.
SUBSCRIBE @DoctorThyroid
AVOID SURGERY www.rfamd.com
@JohnsHopkinsMedicine
The interview sheds light on the importance of preserving the voice and offered insights into innovative approaches to avoid surgery.
Dr. Dhillon, who has extensive experience in both laryngology and endocrine head and neck surgery, underscored the significance of the voice and swallow outcomes in patients undergoing these procedures. Her research and clinical practice focus on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients who may face post-operative issues with their voice and swallow, as well as those with general voice and swallow complaints.
One of the most common complications after thyroid surgery is vocal cord paralysis, which can have a significant impact on a patient's voice. While the overall percentage of patients experiencing voice issues after thyroidectomy varies, it can be as high as 30 to 50 percent, with temporary paralysis affecting up to 15 percent. Although permanent paralysis is rarer (1-2 percent), it remains a concern for patients.
During the interview, Dr. Dhillon emphasized the importance of differentiating between voice and swallowing outcomes, as the latter is often overlooked. Swallowing complaints are higher than voice complaints, with some studies showing up to 60 percent of patients experiencing temporary swallowing issues post-operatively.
Voice and swallow assessments are crucial before and after surgery. Dr. Dhillon stressed the need for a comprehensive evaluation, including endoscopy and video stroboscopy, to examine the larynx more closely during speech. These assessments help in identifying potential issues with the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve.
Dr. Dhillon's team has implemented voice and swallow tests before surgery, and they continue to monitor patients post-operatively to ensure any issues are addressed promptly. This proactive approach helps patients feel more confident and informed about the potential risks to their voice and swallow function.
The conversation also discussed the rise of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative to surgery. RFA is a minimally invasive technology for treating thyroid nodules and thyroid cancers. While RFA has a lower risk of voice and swallow complications than surgery, Dr. Dhillon stressed the importance of a thorough pre-RFA laryngeal exam to ensure optimal outcomes.
However, Dr. Dhillon acknowledged that more research is needed to fully understand the potential voice and swallow risks associated with RFA. Standardized protocols and patient-reported outcomes can be vital in evaluating these risks and ensuring patient safety during the procedure.
Dr. Vaninder Dhillon highlighted the importance of safeguarding the voice and swallow function in thyroid surgery and ablation. By proactively evaluating and addressing potential complications, patients can make informed decisions and seek appropriate interventions to protect their vocal and swallowing abilities. The ongoing research and innovative approaches in this field offer hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by thyroid conditions.
About Dr. Vaninder Dhillon
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Vaninder “Vinny” K. Dhillon, M.D., is an assistant professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, specializing in both children and adults. She practices out of Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Dhillon is also affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Dhillon has an expertise in endocrine surgery, laryngology, otolaryngology, parathyroid diseases and surgery, swallowing disorders, thyroid diseases and surgery, and voice problems.
Dr. Dhillon earned her medical degree from Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California. She completed a residency in otolaryngology at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center.
View Full Profile: https://www.rfamd.com/vaninder-dhillon/
🔷🔷🔷🔷
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.
-------------