Feasibility of Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound-Guided Ethanol Ablation in Benign Cystic Thyroid Nodules: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Received January 7, 2015 Revised February 26, 2015 Accepted February 26, 2015 Address for correspondence Jin Ho Sohn, MD, PhD Department of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 807 Hoguk-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 702-210, Korea Tel +82-53-200-2792 Fax +82-53-200-2027 E-mail entgodlikeu@gmail.com Background and ObjectivesZZTo evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (US-EA) performed by a head and neck surgeon in benign cystic thyroid nodules. Subjects and MethodZZThis preliminary study enrolled five patients who underwent USEA by a single head and neck surgeon for benign cystic thyroid nodules, which had been previously aspirated but recurred. Procedure time, success of targeting, volume reduction rate, satisfaction scores of the procedure, and complications were evaluated. ResultsZZThe initial mean volume of cystic nodules was 8.3 mL (2.0-18.9). After US-EA, it decreased to 1.2 mL (0.4-3.5 mL) with the mean volume reduction rate of 85.5% (56.2-88.5%). The mean procedure time of surgeon-performed US-EA was 5.6 min (range, 3.7-7.3 min). The procedure was successfully carried out in all patients, with the mean satisfaction score of 7.6 (6-9). There were no major complications but transient burning sensation was reported in one patient. ConclusionZZUS-EA can be performed by head and neck surgeons safely with favorable therapeutic results. This may improve surgeon’s treatment performance of benign cystic thyroid nodules and help achieve streamlined patient care without referring patients to other department. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2015;58(4):261-6