Initial experience of ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules: Safety and short‐term efficacy

Abstract

Aim: To report the safety and short-term efficacy of the use of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules. Methods:The treatment outcomes of patients who were treated with RFA for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules from December 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Nodule volumes were assessed before treatment, and at 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment for comparison. Complications were reported.Results: A total of 18 patients were treated. The volume reduction rate at 1, 6 and 12 months were 39.6% ± 23.4%, 60.02% ± 18.40% and 70.18% ± 22.68%, respectively. The rate of treatment success was 33.3%, 72.2% and 81.8%, respectively. Statistically significant reductions were noted in volume at all three time points (all with P < .05). Three complications were reported, including Horner syndrome, thyroiditis and pseudocyst formation after ablation. All of them were managed conservatively and symptoms resolved subsequently.Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided RFA is a safe modality for treating benign symptomatic thyroid nodules with satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy for Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Literature Review

“…A review of studies has shown a rate of major complications of 5.6%, which to one in fifteen cases, based on data from a small retrospective study. This suggests that RFA is a reasonably safe procedure that poses only a modest risk of major complications (35). Study by Ho et al reported a complication of pseudocyst formation, Horner syndrome, and thyroiditis.…”

“…The occurrence of Horner's syndrome, in this case, could be caused by injury to the middle cervical sympathetic ganglion or compression by hematoma or oedema. The patient was managed conservatively and symptoms improved after 6 months (35).…”