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

Abstract

AbstractAimTo report the safety and short‐term efficacy of the use of ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules.MethodsThe 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsUltrasound‐guided RFA is a safe modality for treating benign symptomatic thyroid nodules with satisfactory short‐term efficacy.