Join us as Dr. Emad Kandil, a leading expert in thyroid ablation, sits down with Philip James in the heart of New Orleans. In this candid and insightful conversation, Dr. Kandil shares his journey from aspiring engineer to becoming a renowned thyroid surgeon, influenced by a life-changing event involving his younger brother.
Against the backdrop of the city's iconic Café du Monde and a rigorous CrossFit session, the two explore the complexities of thyroid surgery, discussing why Dr. Kandil often advocates for ablation over traditional thyroidectomies to preserve patients' quality of life.
As the conversation unfolds, viewers examine Dr. Kandil’s commitment to research, patient care, and innovation. They venture from the cafe to the gym and finally to Dr. Kandil's clinic, where modern technology meets compassionate healthcare. For anyone considering thyroid surgery or seeking alternatives, this episode explores non-surgical options and the science behind thyroid ablation.
Discover how one surgeon’s philosophy and approach redefine patient outcomes—one thyroid at a time.
About Dr. Emad Kandil Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States. www.emadkandil.com
About Philip James Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery. www.docthyroid.com
In this interview with Dr. Emad Kandil, a leading expert in thyroid ablation, patient Elizabeth shares her journey of receiving conflicting medical advice regarding her thyroid nodule.
After consultations with multiple doctors in New York who recommended surgery, Elizabeth sought an alternative in New Orleans with Dr. Kandil, who offered a less invasive option—thyroid ablation.
This video explores the benefits of microwave ablation (MWA) as an effective treatment for thyroid nodules, avoiding the complications of surgery and long-term medication dependency.
Dr. Kandil provides in-depth insights into the procedure, its success rates, and how it preserves thyroid function, challenging the traditional approach of immediate surgical intervention. For those with suspicious thyroid nodules, this discussion highlights the importance of seeking second opinions and understanding all available treatment options before making a decision.
About Baird Medical
Baird Medical LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading developer and provider of minimally invasive medical devices specializing in microwave ablation (MWA) technology. In the U.S., the company continues to expand its reach, recently receiving FDA clearance to market its microwave ablation devices for thyroid treatment.
@BairdMedical www.bairdmed.com NASDAQ: BDMD
Baird Medical’s Assistance Center
888-508-6228 or erichuang@bairdmed.com
About Dr. Emad Kandil
Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States.
www.emadkandil.com
About Philip James
Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery.
www.docthyroid.com
In this in-depth interview, Dr. Emad Kandil, a leading expert in thyroid ablation at Tulane University, discusses the advanced technique of Microwave Ablation (MWA) for treating thyroid nodules. Dr. Kandil explains the science behind MWA, how it compares to Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and addresses common misconceptions such as concerns over excessive heat. He also explores the benefits of MWA over traditional thyroid surgery, including the preservation of thyroid function and the minimization of complications.
This discussion is precious for medical professionals, researchers, and individuals interested in innovative, minimally invasive treatments for thyroid conditions. Dr. Kandil emphasizes the importance of practitioner expertise in ensuring successful outcomes and offers insight into the decision-making process for selecting the most appropriate treatment method.
This video offers expert-level insights if you're seeking an advanced, technical understanding of the latest thyroid ablation technologies and treatment options.
About Baird Medical
Baird Medical LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading developer and provider of minimally invasive medical devices specializing in microwave ablation (MWA) technology. In the U.S., the company continues to expand its reach, recently receiving FDA clearance to market its microwave ablation devices for thyroid treatment.
@BairdMedical
www.bairdmed.com
NASDAQ: BDMD
Baird Medical’s Assistance Center 888-508-6228 or erichuang@bairdmed.com
About Dr. Emad Kandil
Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States.
@EmadKandilMD-z3d
www.emadkandil.com
About Philip James
Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery.
@DoctorThyroid
www.docthyroid.com
In this expert-level analysis, we compare the clinical effectiveness of Microwave Ablation (MWA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for the treatment of thyroid nodules, with a focus on key decision-making criteria for selecting the optimal minimally invasive treatment. This detailed case study, featuring Dr. Emad Kandil and patient testimony, offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced thyroid nodule management techniques.
We begin with the patient’s journey, documenting her initial treatments with RFA, which resulted in limited success and the eventual regrowth of the thyroid nodule. Dr. Kandil then introduced MWA, leading to a remarkable 80% volume reduction in just three months. This transition illustrates the pivotal differences between RFA and MWA, such as the heat sink effect, and why MWA provides more precise and effective energy delivery, particularly for nodules with significant vascularization.
Dr. Kandil, having performed over 1,200 thyroid ablation procedures.
Key Moments:
00:10 — Explanation of the heat sink effect with MWA leading to 80% shrinkage
01:05 — Failure of RFA to induce significant nodule shrinkage
01:30 — Patient discusses the lack of pain during MWA
01:45 — Paradigm shift in the medical community regarding new ablation technologies
02:20 — Philip James introduces MWA's success where RFA failed
03:14 — The first surgeon recommended surgery, which was ultimately unnecessary
04:00 — Discovery of the thyroid nodule during a routine health check
04:55 — The emotional impact of discovering a thyroid nodule
06:10 — The patient’s positive experience with Dr. Kandil
06:45 — Is it cancer? Genetic markers and biopsy results
07:50 — Dr. Kandil explains biopsy issues, suspicious cells, and genetic markers
09:00 — One surgery versus multiple surgeries: using the best available information to decide
09:40 — The large, vascular nodule and implications for treatment
10:00 — Measuring tumor volume: a shift from centimeters to milliliters (100 ml)
10:30 — The importance of seeking a second opinion
10:50 — RFA failed to provide a satisfactory response
11:10 — Detailed comparison of MWA vs. RFA, including technical and clinical differences
12:00 — Heat sink effect with RFA vs. sustained energy delivery with MWA
12:20 — MWA's ultimate success in reducing nodule size
12:50 — Dr. Kandil’s experience of performing over 5,000 thyroid surgeries
13:00 — Emphasizing quality of life and preserving the thyroid, as explained by Dr. Kandil
14:30 — The importance of having MWA as a treatment option
15:50 — Treating out-of-state patients and the widespread demand for ablation technologies 16:15 — The patient reacts to the decision to avoid surgery
16:50 — Failure of RFA highlighted again, reinforcing the shift to MWA
17:50 — Not every surgeon is equal: the importance of experience and options
18:30 — Discussing the “toolbox” of available treatments offered by different healthcare providers
19:30 — The sterile hospital experience vs. the warmer, more personalized care at Dr. Kandil’s office
19:54 — Dr. Kandil’s bedside manner: kindness, patience, and detailed explanations
20:40 — Encouragement for patients to explore all available options; the medical community's resistance to adopting new technologies like ablation
21:30 — Dr. Kandil’s experience with over 1,200 cases of thyroid ablation, establishing him as one of America's top doctors in the field
About Baird Medical
Baird Medical LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading developer and provider of minimally invasive medical devices specializing in microwave ablation (MWA) technology. In the U.S., the company continues to expand its reach, recently receiving FDA clearance to market its microwave ablation devices for thyroid treatment. @BairdMedical www.bairdmed.com
About Dr. Emad Kandil
Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States. @EmadKandilMD-z3d www.emadkandil.com
About Philip James
Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery. @DoctorThyroid www.docthyroid.com
Dr. Emad Kandil, one of the leading thyroid surgeons in the U.S. and a pioneer in non-surgical thyroid cancer treatment, is featured in this video discussing the benefits of thyroid ablation as an alternative to surgery. #thyroidnodule #thyroidcancer #thyroidsurgery
Based at Tulane University, Dr. Kandil has successfully treated numerous patients using this minimally invasive procedure, which allows for the targeted destruction of cancerous thyroid nodules without removing the thyroid gland.
00:01 - 08:03 The patient story told by Vanessa: "you have thyroid cancer"
08:04 - 12:38 Dr. Kandil discusses treating thyroid cancer without surgery
In this case, Dr. Kandil treated Vanessa, who was initially diagnosed with a 1.5 cm thyroid nodule and advised by her first doctor to undergo a total thyroidectomy. Concerned about the lifelong consequences of surgery, including the need for thyroid hormone replacement, Vanessa sought out Dr. Kandil, who recommended thyroid ablation.
🛑 Three months after the procedure, her follow-up ultrasound revealed no detectable cancer, highlighting the effectiveness of ablation.
The video thoroughly discusses the thyroid ablation process, including Dr. Kandil’s patient-centered approach, the technical aspects of the procedure, and the post-ablation outcomes. Thyroid ablation is a promising option for patients with small, early-stage thyroid cancers who wish to avoid surgery and its associated complications. Dr. Kandil shares insights into why ablation may be a preferred treatment for preserving the thyroid while achieving cancer-free results.
Key points covered:
🔹 Dr. Kandil’s expertise in thyroid ablation and patient care
🔹 The non-surgical alternative for treating thyroid cancer
🔹 Patient outcomes following thyroid ablation
🔹 Comparison of thyroidectomy and ablation techniques
This video is intended for viewers seeking an evidence-based understanding of thyroid ablation as a viable alternative to surgery.
About Baird Medical
Baird Medical LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading developer and provider of minimally invasive medical devices specializing in microwave ablation (MWA) technology. The company focuses on advanced treatments for thyroid nodules, offering patients a non-surgical alternative to traditional procedures. Baird Medical's MWA devices are used globally for the treatment of both benign and malignant tumors, including thyroid, liver, and lung cancers.
With a solid commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes, Baird Medical has become the first company in China to receive a Class III medical device registration certificate for MWA systems. In the U.S., the company continues to expand its reach, recently receiving FDA clearance to market its microwave ablation devices for thyroid treatment.
@BairdMedical
www.bairdmed.com
About Dr. Emad Kandil
Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States.
Dr. Kandil’s commitment to advancing thyroid care focuses on offering patients non-surgical alternatives, such as ablation, to avoid traditional surgery. This allows for reduced recovery times and better preservation of thyroid function. His contributions to the field include over 400 research publications and numerous lectures worldwide. His research interests include endocrine tumor genetics and the development of targeted therapies for thyroid cancer.
About Philip James
Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery.
In addition to his podcast, Philip is the author of Say No to Thyroid Surgery, a book that advocates for patients to explore non-surgical options. He educates and empowers thyroid patients globally through his websites and social media, offering them access to cutting-edge treatment information and expert interviews with leading medical professionals.
His passion stems from a desire to help others make informed health decisions and to provide a resource for those seeking alternatives to conventional thyroid surgery.
@DoctorThyroid www.docthyroid.com