Thyroid and parathyroid surgeries demand a high level of precision due to the delicate structures involved – notably the vocal cord nerves and the tiny parathyroid glands that regulate calcium in the body. Even a small inadvertent injury during surgery could affect a patient’s speech or lead to calcium imbalances. To enhance safety and outcomes, Dr. Bhavin Vadodariya at SSO Cancer Centre employs cutting-edge techniques and technology during thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. His use of advanced tools like fluorescence imaging, nerve monitoring, and minimally invasive ablation reflects a commitment to patient-centric care.
Key technologies Dr. Vadodariya utilizes include:
· Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence imaging: ICG is a medical dye that, when injected during surgery, causes healthy parathyroid glands to “light up” under a special infrared camera. This helps the surgeon identify and preserve these glands while removing the thyroid or any cancerous tissue. By safeguarding the parathyroid glands’ blood supply, the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) is significantly reduced.
· Intraoperative neuromonitoring: During thyroid and neck surgeries, Dr. Vadodariya uses nerve monitoring devices to track the function of the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which control the vocal cords. The monitor provides real-time feedback, alerting the surgical team if the nerve is being stretched or stressed. This allows immediate adjustments to avoid nerve injury, thereby protecting the patient’s voice and swallowing function.
· Microwave ablation: In select cases, not every thyroid condition requires open surgery. Dr. Vadodariya offers microwave ablation for certain thyroid nodules or small recurrent thyroid cancers. In this minimally invasive procedure, a thin probe delivers microwave energy to heat and destroy targeted thyroid tissue or nodules, shrinking them without the need for a large incision. Patients benefit by avoiding major surgery – the outpatient procedure leaves only a tiny puncture mark and typically has a faster recovery time.
By integrating these advanced techniques, Dr. Vadodariya can perform thyroid and parathyroid surgeries with greater accuracy and fewer complications. For instance, the combined use of ICG imaging and careful surgical technique ensures that nearly all parathyroid glands remain healthy after a thyroidectomy, which means patients maintain normal calcium levels and avoid lifelong supplements. Similarly, nerve monitoring has helped many patients come out of surgery with their voices intact. When microwave ablation is an option, patients appreciate the convenience of a quick procedure and minimal downtime instead of a hospital stay.
Dr. Vadodariya’s expertise in these modern approaches stems from specialized training and continuous learning. He completed a preceptorship in thyroid cancer at the renowned Tata Memorial Hospital, where he learned from experts about the latest advancements in endocrine surgery. At SSO Cancer Centre, he is among the few surgical oncologists in the region using such a comprehensive set of tools to improve patient safety. His philosophy is to combine technical skill with technology, all in service of better patient outcomes.
Patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid treatment with Dr. Vadodariya receive personalized care. Complex cases are discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring that each patient has an optimal treatment plan – which might include surgery, targeted therapies, or active surveillance, depending on the situation. With the availability of techniques like neuromonitoring and ablation, patients can be reassured that their treatment is on par with global standards. The goal is always to treat the disease effectively while preserving the patient’s quality of life – whether that means maintaining a normal voice, avoiding unnecessary surgery, or preventing long-term complications.
Short Bio: Dr. Bhavin Vadodariya is a board-certified Surgical Oncologist with expertise in head & neck and endocrine (thyroid and parathyroid) cancers. He leads the surgical oncology unit at SSO Cancer Centre in Ahmedabad, where he is known for utilizing advanced surgical techniques to enhance patient safety and outcomes. In addition to his surgical work, he is a proponent of cancer awareness and early detection, striving to improve cancer care standards across India.
Website: https://drbhavinvadodariya.com
