Thyroid ablation is a safe, well-established procedure with low risks. The risk of a major or serious problem (one which requires additional unplanned treatment or hospital stay) is less than 1%.
Common problems include mild pain or discomfort and swelling at the treatment site. This will normally settle with time and if required icepacks or simple painkillers are effective. Sometimes the cyst can refill in the days after treatment but this is normally a temporary situation.
More serious problems include:
Bleeding: During or after treatment the cyst can fill with blood and give a more firm and uncomfortable sensation to the treated nodule. This will normally settle with time and does not require active treatment. Bleeding or a larger bruise (called a haematoma) in the neck and outside the gland is rarer and could require additional compression and pain killers. Very rarely would this require any further treatment.
Infection: Infection is very rare with a minimal access procedure. Increasing pain accompanied by redness and swelling of the overlying skin as well as feeling generally tired and feverish could all point towards this. Antibiotics and in rare instances drainage of infection are required.
Injury to surrounding structures: Ethanol that leaks into surrounding tissues can cause unexpected pain and injury to other structures. This is normally a temporary problem and rarely causes permanent or long-lasting effects. Nerve injury could lead to a temporary or permanent change in voice or altered sensation or muscle weakness. Injury to surrounding muscles could cause inflammation, pain and stiffness. Injury to the food pipe or wind pipe might cause a temporary cough, sore throat or difficulty with swallowing.
Hypothyroidism: Underactivity as a result of ethanol injection is very rare as the drug is only injected in to the cyst and should not significantly affect the surrounding tissue.
