Alcohol ablation therapy (also called percutaneous ethanol injection, PEI) is a treatment that can be used to shrink large thyroid cysts and fluid-filled nodules, as well as destroy recurrent thyroid cancer lymph nodes without surgery.  Dr. Henderson is one of only a handful of endocrinologists in the nation who perform PEI.  

It is a relatively painless technique similar to fine needle aspiration where medical-grade ethanol is injected into the cyst or cancerous lymph node, thereby destroying the blood supply to the lesion. There are minimal side effects and risks, making ethanol ablation therapy a very effective definitive treatment in certain circumstances. A majority of patients treated for thyroid cysts do not require replacement thyroid medicine after treatment (unlike surgery).  Unfortunately, it is NOT used for solid thyroid nodules.

• It is typically a one-time procedure, though sometimes multiple treatment sessions are needed.
• There are little to no side effects, with the exception slight soreness at the procedure site. Rare side effects include neck swelling, short-term voice hoarseness, worsened thyroid issues, and low grade fever.
• Patients are asked to refrain from heavy lifting (>25 lbs) for 24-48 hours after the procedure.

1. First email Dr. Henderson at DrHenderson@CharlestonThyroid.com to request a free review of your ultrasound & medical records.  Prior to scheduling, she will need to see the actual ultrasound images. Please remember that this procedure is for benign fluid-filled cysts, NOT solid nodules.