Sclerotherapy as an alternative to surgery for recurrent nodular goiter

Abstract

To evaluate the results of treatment of recurrent nodular goiter using sclerotherapy with polidocanol. A comparative analysis of sclerotherapy (30 patients) and conventional surgical treatment (17 patients) of recurrent goiter was performed. Sclerotherapy ensures reduction of nodes (linear dimensions of nodes decreased by 14.2±1.1 mm after 3 courses), correction of endocrine imbalance in patients with functional autonomy and relief of initial signs of cervical organ compression in all patients with recurrent goiter. Sclerotherapy is associated with less pain syndrome and no need for inpatient treatment. However, the most significant advantage is reduced risk of complications. Hypoparathyroidism and laryngeal paresis developed in 53 and 24% of patients after conventional surgery while these events were not observed after sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy with polidocanol is a perspective alternative to conventional surgery for recurrent nodular goiter.