Introducing an ethanol ablation service for recurrent symptomatic thyroid cysts within the NHS-a prospective study of twenty-six patients.

Abstract

●The majority of thyroid cysts are benign and asymptomatic but some continue to enlarge, causing local compressive symptoms or cosmetic concerns. ●Image-guided ablation of recurrent and symptomatic thyroid cysts has gained popularity worldwide over surgical removal, however, limited UK experience is reported to date. ●Our series, conducted prospectively in a tertiary UK centre, has demonstrated that image-guided ethanol ablation (EA) is safe, effective, well tolerated and economical. ●Assessment of patient reported outcomes had shown a correlation between pre-EA volume and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) score. ●With its excellent radiological and clinical outcomes, EA should be routinely offered to patients with recurrent and symptomatic thyroid cysts in the shared decision making process.