Non-surgical thyroid nodule treatment (RFA) in Kenya

For a benign, biopsy-proven nodule causing swelling or pressure, RFA offers clear advantages: local instead of general anaesthetic, no scar, home the same day, back to normal in one to two days, and the healthy thyroid preserved. Surgery remains the right treatment for cancer, suspicious nodules and some very large goitres. A review of your ultrasound and biopsy decides which suits you.

Yes, if it is small, benign and causing no symptoms — watchful waiting with periodic ultrasound is often the best choice. Treatment is considered when a benign nodule causes a visible swelling, pressure, discomfort or an overactive thyroid.

Yes. Many benign thyroid nodules can be treated without surgery using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure that shrinks the nodule from within, with no incision and no scar. Whether RFA suits your nodule depends on the diagnosis, the ultrasound findings, and the size, position and symptoms of the nodule, so it is decided case by case after a reports review.

You're given local anaesthetic first, so most patients feel only mild pressure or warmth. You stay awake and can tell the doctor how you're feeling throughout.

RFA shrinks the nodule and most patients see lasting results. Occasionally a large nodule needs a second session. We monitor this at follow-up.

Because RFA preserves your healthy thyroid tissue, most patients do not need lifelong hormone replacement — unlike after surgery to remove the thyroid.

Shrinkage is gradual. Many patients notice a change within a few weeks, with the nodule continuing to reduce over several months.

RFA is for benign nodules. If a nodule is cancerous or suspicious, surgery is usually right. Your reports review checks this first.

Yes — that's exactly how it should work. Send your ultrasound and biopsy on WhatsApp and we'll confirm whether RFA suits you before you book any travel.

Every treatment plan is quoted individually — the cost depends on the size and number of nodules treated. Send your scans on WhatsApp for a reports review and you'll receive a clear written quote, with no obligation.

Yes. We regularly care for patients from Uganda, Somalia, Tanzania, Ethiopia and beyond, most completing treatment in a single 2–3 day visit.

Plan for a half-day at the clinic. The ablation itself usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on the nodule's size, with time either side for preparation, local anaesthetic and a short observed rest before you go home.

There's no general anaesthetic, so most patients eat and drink normally beforehand. Tell us about blood thinners and your regular medicines at your review — you'll receive clear individual instructions before your day.

Yes. Where several benign nodules need treatment, they can often be treated in a single session or staged across visits — your specialist plans this with you at your reports review.

The heated tissue is gradually broken down and cleared by your own body over the following months — which is why the nodule keeps shrinking long after the procedure day itself.

For most patients, no. RFA treats only the nodule and spares the surrounding gland, so normal thyroid function is preserved — one of its main advantages over surgery.

Yes. Because it doesn't remove the gland or leave surgical scarring in the neck, RFA can be safely repeated — occasionally useful for very large nodules or later regrowth.

Thyroid RFA is a recognised medical procedure and we work with major international and Kenyan insurers, with agreed costs for RFA at the clinic. Whether your particular plan covers it depends on your policy and its pre-authorisation rules — send us your insurer details and your scans on WhatsApp and we'll confirm your cover before you commit.

We work with leading international insurers including BUPA, Cigna, NOW Health International and VUMI, and local Kenyan insurers including Jubilee, UAP, APA, AON Minet and CIC. Cover for any individual patient still depends on their specific plan and pre-authorisation, which we confirm in writing before treatment.

Yes. Once we have your insurer details and reports, our team helps arrange the pre-authorisation with your insurer so your cover is confirmed in writing before your procedure day.