LUCKNOW, Aug. 2 -- In a major advancement in endocrine surgery, doctors at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, have developed a hybrid technique that could change the way selected patients with bilateral benign thyroid nodules are treated. The new procedure-Direct Access Microwave Ablation (DAMA)-developed by Prof Sabaretnam Mayilvaganan and his team at the department of endocrine and breast surgery, combines conventional thyroid surgery with image-guided microwave ablation to preserve thyroid function while effectively treating nodules on both sides of the gland. The technique has already been successfully performed on seven patients, with all procedures showing technical and clinical success. The patients retained normal thyroid function, showed satisfactory reduction in the treated nodules, and recovered without major complications. Under the technique, unlike conventional percutaneous microwave ablation, where the probe is inserted through the skin, DAMA provides direct surgical access to the remaining thyroid tissue. This allows surgeons to accurately place the microwave antenna under ultrasound guidance while continuously monitoring and protecting critical structures such as major blood vessels. Director, PGI, prof RK Dhiman said, "The innovation reflects the evolving philosophy of modern endocrine surgery-moving towards minimally invasive, personalised and organ-preserving treatments." htc...