Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Performed by an Endocrinologist for Benign Thyroid Nodules

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Radiofrequency ablation has recently been used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, with outstanding results. However, in most studies, the procedure was usually performed by a radiologist or surgeon. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for nodules ＞2 cm performed by an endocrinologist with several years of experience performing fine-needle aspiration cytology. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 111 patients who received radiofrequency ablation between April 2010 and July 2013. A total of 73 patients with 75 nodules ＞2 cm in diameter with at least 6 months of follow-up examinations were included. Results: The mean follow-up period was 11.5 months. The mean nodule volume decreased from 17.0±15.3 mL preoperatively to 6.0±8.5 mL postoperatively, with a mean volume reduction of 69.7%. There were no major complications, and only 1 patient (1.3%) presented with a minor complication (hemorrhaging of the thyroid parenchyma). Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe method for reducing benign thyroid nodules, and is not associated with any major complications.

2017 Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Guideline: Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology

“…The efficacy of RFA for non-functioning thyroid nodules has been reported in 21 previous studies ( Table 9 ) ( 5 6 9 11 57 58 59 99 101 107 110 116 117 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 ). These studies included 1503 cases (mean follow-up period, 11.9 months; range, 3.6–49.4 months).…”