Benign Non-functioning Thyroid Nodules Research Articles

Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Benign Thyroid nodules: 10-Year Experience.

Longer follow-up after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules is needed to understand regrowth and other causes of delayed surgery and long-term complications. This retrospective study included consecutive patients treated with RFA for symptomatic benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules between March 2007 and December 2010. RFA was performed according to the standard protocol. We followed up patients at 1, 6, and 12 months, then yearly, until August 2022, and calculated the volume reduction ratio (VRR) at each follow-up. We assessed the incidence of regrowth according to three published criteria, delayed surgery, and complications. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the cumulative incidence of regrowth, and univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for regrowth. This study included 421 patients (mean age, 47 ± 13 years; 372 women) with 456 nodules (mean volume, 21 ± 23 mL). The median follow-up period was 90 months (interquartile range, 24-143 months). The mean VRR was >80% at 2 years, 90% at 5 years, and 94% at ≥10 years. Overall regrowth was noted in 12% (53/456) of nodules and was treated with repeat RFA (n = 33) or surgery (n = 4), or left under observation (n = 16). Thyroid nodules with ≥20 mL initial volume had significantly higher risk of regrowth compared to nodules with <10 mL initial volume (hazard ratio, 2.315 [95% confidence interval, 1.183-4.530]; p = 0.014 on multivariable Cox regression analysis). Delayed surgery was performed in 6% (26/421) of patients because of regrowth and/or persistent symptoms (n = 4), or newly detected thyroid tumors (n = 22). The overall complication rate was 2.4% (10/421), with no procedure-related deaths or long-term complications. Radiofrequency ablation is safe and effective for treating benign thyroid nodules, with a high volume reduction ratio at long-term follow-up. Regular follow-up after initial success is warranted because of the possibility of regrowth of ablated nodules and the need for delayed surgery in some patients.

An overview of standardized management strategy for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules

甲状腺结节在人群中发病率呈持续上升趋势，约90%为无功能良性结节，临床关注不足，存在管理不规范甚至过度治疗。本文简要介绍甲状腺无功能良性结节的临床诊断和治疗，以期提高广大基层医生的规范化诊疗水平。.

US-CT fusion-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules

The aim of the present study was to assess feasibility, safety and outcome of ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of large substernal benign thyroid nodules assisted by US-computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging and real-time virtual needle tracking (VT) system. Thirty patients (18 females, mean age 56 y, range 32–76 y) with 35 benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules (mean volume ± SD 26.8 ± 7.6 mL; range 20–38mL) were selected for CT-US fusion guided RF ablation. Nodules’ volume was evaluated before treatment and during 12-months follow-up. Complications’ rate was also evaluated. US-CT fusion imaging with VT system was feasible in all cases (feasibility 100%) and it was always possible to complete the procedure as planned (technical success 100%). Minor complications occurred in 2/30 cases (6.6%). No major complications occurred. 50% volume reduction (technique efficacy) was achieved in 93% cases, with a significant mean volume reduction at 12 months follow-up (68.7 ± 10.8%), (p < .001). The VT system could be useful in thyroid nodules ablation procedures assistance being able to track the RF electrode tip even when this is obscured by the bubbles produced by the ablative process. The combination of fusion imaging with VT assisted RF ablation represents a safe, non-surgical treatment option for patients with large substernal benign thyroid nodules.

The role of radiofrequency ablation as an alternative tool in management of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules

Aim of the work: To assess the role of radiofrequency ablation as an alternative tool in management of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Methods: We assessed non-functioning benign thyroid nodules in 10 patients, after treatment by radiofrequency (RF) ablation and follow-up for 6 months. RF ablation was done by Cool-Tip RF system and cooled internal electrode. Nodule volume, cosmetic and symptom scores were calculated earlier prior to treatment and throughout the follow-up. We assessed all efficacy related factors and reported complications. Results: A statistically significant difference existed between volume of nodules before the procedure with mean volume was 22.20 ± 4.61 and 1 month after with mean volume 12.38 ± 2.91with mean reduction ratio of 44.27 ± 5.77% and 3 months after the procedure with mean volume 8.08 ± 2.92 with mean reduction ratio of 65.14 ± 8.92%, also 6 months after procedure with mean volume 6.90 ± 2.78 with mean reduction ratio of 71.10 ± 7.71 %. The symptoms were significantly improved after RF ablation of patients complaining of compressive and cosmetic problems.

Efficacy in size and symptom reduction of radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules

IntroductionRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) plays an increasing role in the management of thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA of benign thyroid nodules in terms of volume reduction and symptom relief. MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients with a solitary thyroid nodule who received RFA at our centre from April 2016 to January 2020. Ultrasound-guided RFA was performed by the moving-shot technique. Patients were followed up with ultrasound examinations and thyroid function tests. We evaluated changes in volume and in compressive (0–10 scale) and cosmetic (4-point scale) symptoms to analyse efficacy and complications, and in thyroid function to evaluate safety. ResultsA total of 72 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 11.1±0.7 months. There was a statistically significant reduction in size of the nodules at Month 1, 3, 6 and 12 after RFA (expressed as volume reduction rate: 34%±2.1, 50.8%±2.2, 60.3%±2.6, 58.87%±3.5, p<0.0001). We found statistically significant improvement in compressive symptoms (from 7.1±0.26 to 1.76±0.33, p<0.0001) and in cosmetic alteration (from 3.66±0.09 to 2.14±0.14, p<0.0001). No major complications were observed. DiscussionRFA achieved significant volume reduction and improved compressive symptoms as well as cosmetic complaints, with minimum side effects. Our results are in line with recent available evidence and further support the use of RFA as a safe and effective therapeutic option in the management of benign thyroid nodules.

Radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic, non-functioning, thyroid nodules: a single-center learning curve.

ObjectiveRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) is increasingly considered the prime option for treating symptomatic, benign, non-functioning thyroid nodules (NFTN). However, little is known about the degree of operator experience required to achieve optimal results. This study describes the RFA learning curve of a single-center team.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of the first 103 patients receiving RFA treatment for a single, symptomatic, and benign NFTN, with a follow-up of at least 1 year. The primary outcome measure was technique efficacy, defined as the percentage of patients with a 6-month nodal volume reduction ratio (VRR) >50% after single-session RFA. Optimal treatment efficacy was defined as a 6-month VRR >50% achieved in at least 75% of patients. Secondary outcomes were complications of RFA and indications of secondary interventions.ResultsMedian nodal volume at baseline was 12.0 mL (range 2.0–58.0 mL). A 6-month VRR >50% was achieved in 45% of the first 20 patients, 75% of the next 20, and 79% of the following 63 patients. Complications included minor bleeding (N = 4), transient hyperthyroidism (N = 4), and transient loss of voice (N = 1). Poor volume reduction or nodular regrowth led to diagnostic lobectomy in 11 patients and a second RFA in 5. Lobectomy revealed a follicular carcinoma (T2N0M0) in 2 patients. In 1 patient, nodule regrowth was caused by an intranodular solitary B-cell lymphoma.ConclusionAbout 40 procedures are required to achieve a 6-month VRR >50% in the majority of patients. Appropriate follow-up with re-evaluation is recommended for all patients with a VRR <50% and in those with regrowth to exclude underlying malignancy.

Efficacy in size and symptom reduction of radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules

IntroductionRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) plays an increasing role in the management of thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA of benign thyroid nodules in terms of volume reduction and symptom relief. MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients with a solitary thyroid nodule who received RFA at our centre from April 2016 to January 2020. Ultrasound-guided RFA was performed by the moving-shot technique. Patients were followed up with ultrasound examinations and thyroid function tests. We evaluated changes in volume and in compressive (0–10 scale) and cosmetic (4-point scale) symptoms to analyse efficacy and complications, and in thyroid function to evaluate safety. ResultsA total of 72 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 11.1±0.7 months. There was a statistically significant reduction in size of the nodules at Month 1, 3, 6 and 12 after RFA (expressed as volume reduction rate: 34%±2.1, 50.8%±2.2, 60.3%±2.6, 58.87%±3.5, p<0.0001). We found statistically significant improvement in compressive symptoms (from 7.1±0.26 to 1.76±0.33, p<0.0001) and in cosmetic alteration (from 3.66±0.09 to 2.14±0.14, p<0.0001). No major complications were observed. DiscussionRFA achieved significant volume reduction and improved compressive symptoms as well as cosmetic complaints, with minimum side effects. Our results are in line with recent available evidence and further support the use of RFA as a safe and effective therapeutic option in the management of benign thyroid nodules.

Update of Radiofrequency Ablation for Treating Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules. The Future Is Now.

Thermal and chemical ablation are minimally invasive procedures that avoid removal of the thyroid gland and target symptomatic nodules directly. Internationally, Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is among one of the most widely used thermal ablative techniques, and is gaining traction in North America. Surgery remains the standard of care for most thyroid cancer, and in the right clinical setting, Active Surveillance (AS) can be a reasonable option for low risk disease. Minimally invasive techniques have emerged as an alternative option for patients deemed high risk for surgery, or for those patients who wish to receive a more active treatment approach compared to AS. Herein, we review the literature on the safety and efficacy of RFA for treating benign non-functioning thyroid nodules, autonomously functioning thyroid nodules, primary small low risk thyroid cancer (namely papillary thyroid cancer) as well as recurrent thyroid cancer.

Laser ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for benign non-functioning thyroid nodules: twelve-month results of a randomized, parallel-arm, open-label trial

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Laser Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules: 12-Month Results of a Randomized Trial (LARA II Study).

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) seems to achieve a significantly larger nodule volume reduction rate (VRR) than laser ablation (LA) in benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules (BNTNs). To compare the efficacy and safety of both treatments at 12-month follow-up in patients with solid or predominantly solid BNTN. This was a single-center, 12-month, randomized, superiority, open-label, parallel-group trial conducted in an outpatient clinic. Sixty patients with a solitary BNTN or dominant nodule characterized by pressure symptoms/cosmetic problems were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive either a single session of RFA or LA. Twenty-9 patients per group completed the study. The main outcome measures were VRR and proportion of nodules with more than 50% reduction (technical success rate). At 12 months, VRR was 70.9 ± 16.9% and 60.0 ± 19.0% in the RFA and LA groups, respectively (P = .024). This effect was confirmed in the linear regression model that was adjusted for age, sex, nodule baseline volume, and proportion of cellular components (RFA treatment: β = .390; P = .009). No significant between-group difference was observed in the technical success rate at 12 months after treatment. A statistically significant improvement was observed from the baseline to the 12-month follow-up for compression (RFA: 4.6 ± 2.6 and 1.3 ± 0.8, P < .001; and LA: 4.6 ± 2.1 and 1.6 ± 0.8, respectively, P < .001) and cosmetic (RFA: 3.4 ± 0.6 and 1.3 ± 0.5, P < .001; and LA: 3.4 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.6, P < .001) scores although the between-group differences were not significant. RFA achieved a significantly larger nodule volume reduction at 12 months; however, the technical success rate was similar in the RFA and LA groups.

Radiofrequency Ablation on Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules: A Critical Appraisal and Review of the Literature.

Background: Thyroid nodules are an extremely common occurrence, as their prevalence in the general population is estimated to range between 50 and 70%. Some of these nodules are autonomously functioning such that they can cause hyperthyroidism over time. In this case, surgery and radioiodine represent the standard of care. Nevertheless, patients might have contraindications or be unwilling to undergo these treatments. Minimally-invasive ultrasound-guided techniques, such as laser and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have been recently introduced into clinical practice as an alternative treatment for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Due to their efficacy and tolerability, these techniques have become increasingly available and their usage has been extended also to autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN).Methods: In this narrative review, we will describe the studies reporting the therapeutic effects of RFA on AFTN, the studies reporting how RFA compares to the other treatment modalities, as well as the current indications for the use of RFA in patients with AFTN. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature search was independently conducted by three investigators on PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception up to February 2020 to identify published articles concerning the effects of RFA on AFTN.Results and Conclusions: Current consensus statements and guidelines support the notion that RFA should be regarded as a first-line therapy for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules, while it remains a valid second-line option for AFTN treatment in case of contraindications or patient unwillingness to undergo surgery or radioiodine.

OR18-07 Laser Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Non-Functioning Thyroid Nodules: Six-Month Results of a Randomised, Parallel, Open-Label, Trial (Lara Trial)

ABSTRACT Background: Up to now, there are no direct prospective studies comparing Laser (LA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We aimed to compare, in a head- to-head clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of both techniques in a population affected by solid or predominantly solid benign non-functioning thyroid nodules (BNTN). Methods. LARA is a six-month, single-use, randomized, superiority, open-label, parallel trial. We enrolled subjects with a solitary BNTN or dominant nodule characterized by pressure symptoms/cosmetic problems or patients without symptoms who experienced a volume increase >20% in one year. Nodules underwent core needle biopsy (CNB) to evaluate the histological architecture. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive treatment with either LA or RFA. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the difference in nodule volume reduction between the RF and the LA group at six months. Moreover, we aimed to assess the differences between groups in the rate of nodules with greater than 50% base volume reduction (successful rate) at six months after treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov: number NCT02714946. Findings: From January 2016 to November 2018, 60 patients were randomly assigned (30 participants per group). In the whole study population, the average volume of nodules was 25 ml. The two groups were similar in terms of basal nodule volume, thyroid function, histology, symptoms/cosmetic score and procedure time. At six months, participants in the RFA group showed a reduction volume of 64·3% (95% CI: 57·5% - 71·2%) compared to 53·2% (95% CI: 47·2% - 59·2%) in the LA group (p= 0·015) and this difference was also confirmed in a linear regression model adjusted for age, baseline volume and proportion of cellular component (Laser vs. RFA percent change Delta= -12·8, P=0·018).We have not recorded any significant difference in terms of successful rate at six months after treatment between the two groups (86·7% in the RFA vs 66·7% in the LA, p=0·127). At six months, both symptoms and cosmetic scores improved (compressive symptom score: 2·13 vs 3·9 for RFA, p < 0·001; 2·4 vs. 3·87 for LA, p < 0·001; cosmetic score: 1·65 vs 2·2 for RFA p <0·001, 1·85 vs 2·2 for LA p <0·001) without any statistically significant difference between the two groups. No statistical difference between the two groups was detected at six months as regards the TSH level. High rate of cellularity negatively affects the volume reduction in RFA group (r coefficient -0·41, p=0·034) while histological features did not affect the efficacy of the LA. The adverse event rates were 37% and 43% for RFA and LA, respectively, with no requirement for hospitalization. Interpretation: Both techniques are very effective in reducing the volume of thyroid nodules. RFA appears to be more effective than LA, but both techniques showed no difference in terms of success rate six months after treatment. The safety of the two techniques is very satisfactory.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Symptomatic Non-Functioning Benign Thyroid Nodules: An Early Experience in Egyptian Patients Using Monopolar Electrodes

Abstract Background: Thyroid nodules are noted as a common condition, some of them may need management for compres-sive effects or cosmetic reasons. As surgery has many disad-vantages, minimally invasive procedures are taking place, particularly radiofrequency (RF) ablation that proved to be safe and effective since 2006. Aim of Study: To study the safety and clinical results of (RF) ablation of benign non-functioning symptomatic thyroid nodules. Methods: We assessed 27 non-functioning benign thyroid solid nodules in 20 patients, after treatment by radiofrequency (RF) ablation and follow-up for 12 months. RF ablation was done by Cool-Tip RF system and cooled internal electrode. Nodule volume, cosmetic and symptom scores were calculated earlier prior to treatment and throughout the follow-up. We assessed all efficacy related factors and reported complications. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 11±2.6 months. The volume of the thyroid nodule decreased significantly at the final assessment from an average of 12.2ml before ablation to 6ml (p<0.001). Also there was markedly improved cosmetic and symptom ratings (p<0.001). The overall rate of recurrence was 4% (1/27). The overall rate of complication was 3% (6/20). Conclusion: RF ablation is effective in decreasing the volume of sizable benign thyroid nodules for a one year post-interventional follow-up. There were no complications that threatened life. Thus, patients with non-functioning benign thyroid nodules can be treated by RF ablation as a minimally invasive treatment.

Unfavorable Outcomes in Solid and Spongiform Thyroid Nodules Treated with Laser Ablation. A 5-Year Follow-up Retrospective Study

ObjectiveLaser Ablation (LA) is a therapeutic modality for reducing the volume of large benign thyroid nodules. This retrospective study was aimed at assessing the outcome of LA in patients with benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules in a 5-years follow-up.MethodsSixty-two patients (47 females; mean age 54.7±12 yr) with benign cold thyroid nodules underwent LA from July 2009 to March 2012. Nodule volume, thyroid function test, and ultrasound were monitored at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure, then annually. After dividing nodules in solid and spongiform, we evaluated unfavourable outcomes: 1) nodule’s volume reduction <50%; 2) need for surgery; 3) need for additive LA session (due to nodule re-growth with persistence of cosmetic concern or compressive symptoms).ResultsBaseline volume did not differ between solid and spongiform nodules as well as energy delivered and the number of needles used. Unfavourable outcomes occurred in 24 patients (38.7%). Nineteen/24 (79.2%) patients who experienced unfavourable outcomes belonged to the solid nodules group (P<0.01). When considering only those who benefited from LA, the 5-years reduction was 59.7% for solid and 78.6% for spongiform nodules (P<0.05). One/6 patients who underwent surgery (solid nodules group) had a final diagnosis of Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer (FVPTC).ConclusionLarge solid nodules, unlike spongiform, submitted to LA are characterized by a long-term unfavourable outcome and entail a potential risk of false negative cytologic results.

Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Nonfunctioning Benign Thyroid Nodules in Children and Adolescents in 14 Patients over a 10-Year Period

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for nonfunctioning benign thyroid nodules in children and adolescents. Materials and MethodsFourteen pediatric patients (10 female, 4 male; mean age 15.7 ± 2.3 years, range 12–19 years) with nonfunctioning benign thyroid nodules (mean longest diameter 3.7 ± 1.1 cm, range 2.0–5.6 cm) treated with the use of RF ablation from 2005 to 2015 were evaluated. The inclusion criteria for RF ablation therapy were (i) age <20 years, (ii) benign cytological confirmation by ≥2 separate fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsies, (iii) pressure symptoms or cosmetic problems caused by thyroid nodules, (iv) absence of any suspicious feature as determined with the use of ultrasound (US), (v) normal serum levels of thyroid hormone and thyrotropin, and (vi) follow-up of >6 months. RF ablation was performed with the use of an RF generator and an 18-gauge internally cooled electrode. RF ablation was performed under local anesthesia without conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Changes in nodules on follow-up US, changes in symptomatic and cosmetic scores, and complications arising during or after RF ablation were evaluated. ResultsMean follow-up period was 36.9 ± 21.7 months (range 6–69 months). At last follow-up visits, mean longest nodule diameter and volume had decreased significantly (3.7 ± 1.1 cm vs 1.4 ± 0.9 cm and 14.6 ± 13.3 mL vs 1.7 ± 4.4 mL; P < 0.001). Both cosmetic and compressive symptoms significantly improved (3.8 ± 0.6 vs 1.4 ± 0.6 and 3.4 ± 1.0 vs 0.1 ± 0.4; P < 0.001). The mean number of ablation sessions was 2.1 ± 1.2 (range 1–5 sessions) and no major complication was encountered during or after RF ablation. ConclusionsRF ablation might be a safe and effective treatment modality for nonfunctioning benign thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.

Radiofrequency ablation for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules in children and adolescent

Radiofrequency ablation for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules in children and adolescent

Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Percutaneous Laser Ablation for Non-Functioning Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Single-Center Study.

ObjectiveWhile many studies have reported that laser ablation (LA) for benign non-fuctioning thyroid nodules is efficacious in reducing nodular volume and neck symptoms, none have described changes in quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to report post-LA changes in QoL in our cohort of patients.Materials and MethodsFourteen patients with benign thyroid nodules were involved in a prospective, single-center study and underwent a single session of LA. We evaluated the following: changes in nodule volume, thyroid function, and autoimmunity; adverse events during and after LA; changes in neck discomfort by means of a visual analogic scale (VAS) at one week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; and changes in QoL through the 13-scale Thyroid-specific Patient Reported Outcome (ThyPRO) questionnaire at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. ThyPRO is a validated questionnaire for thyroid diseases, which consists of 13 scales with multiple-choice answers. They investigate several aspects of life that may be impaired by goiter-related compression symptoms, by esthetic alterations and by hypo- or hyperthyroidism.ResultsNodule volume decrease was −37 ± 23%, −55 ± 22%, −53 ± 25%, −58 ± 25% (p < 0.01 vs. baseline) at the first, third, sixth, and twelfth month, respectively. No hypothyroidism or positivization of autoimmunity was observed. There were no major complications during or after LA. After LA, VAS scores improved significantly from 1 week onwards in 100% of patients, while a significant improvement was seen in the goiter symptoms score after one month, and in the general score and mean values of ThyPRO after six months. Scores on the other ThyPRO scales did not change significantly.ConclusionLaser ablation is safe and effective in reducing nodule volume and neck symptoms; this is confirmed by improvements in the goiter scale, general score, and mean values of ThyPRO and in the VAS score.

Efficacy and safety of a single radiofrequency ablation of solid benign non-functioning thyroid nodules.

The objective of our study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) over a 1-year follow-up. This is a monocentric retrospective study. Forty-eight patients with solid, non-functioning BTNs were treated by RFA using a 17G internally cooled electrode. We categorized thyroid nodules as small (≤ 12 mL), medium (12 to 30 mL), or large (over 30 mL). BTNs volume reduction, thyroid function, cosmetic and compressive score changes and side effect evaluation at 6 and 12 months were evaluated. BTN volume decreased significantly from baseline to 6 (mean percentage decrease of BTN volume was 66.8 ± 13.6%, p < 0.001). At 12 months, the mean percentage reduction of BTN volume compared to six months was 13.7 ± 17.1% (p < 0.001). At 6-month, symptom score had improved significantly (p < 0.001) while it does not change significantly between 6 and 12 months. In particular, symptom score improved significantly in the medium (p < 0.001) and large (p < 0.01) subgroups. Cosmetic score improved significantly between baseline and 6 months (p < 0.001) and between 6 and 12 months (p < 0.01). In all the subgroups, cosmetic score improved significantly between baseline and 6 months, while between 6 and 12 months it improved significantly only in the large group (p < 0.05). RFA was well tolerated. Only one patient experienced permanent right paramedian vocal cord palsy. A single RFA treatment was effective in reducing BTNs volume, in particular small and medium nodules. Cosmetic score improved in all treated BTNs while symptom score only got better in the medium and large BTNs.

Factors related to recurrence of the benign non-functioning thyroid nodules after percutaneous microwave ablation

Purpose: To determine the factors affecting the recurrence of the solitary benign thyroid nodules (BTN) after microwave ablation (MWA).Materials and methods: Between January 2013 and January 2015, a total of 110 patients with at least one solid thyroid nodule (solid component ≥ 80%) were enrolled. MWA was performed under continuous ultrasound (US) guidance. Before and during the follow-up, the thyroid nodule volume, thyroid function and cosmetic complaints were evaluated. Recurrence is defined by the new blood flow in the total ablation area or/and > 50% increase in nodule volume.Results: Almost all thyroid nodules were significantly decreased in size after MWA. After 12 months, the average volume of thyroid nodules was decreased from 12.6 ± 15.1 to 3.2 ± 5.7 ml. Of the total 110 patients, 16 cases had recurrence 12 months after MWA, and these patients had a larger initial volume than that of the non-recurrence patients (11.6 ± 14.9 vs. 23.9 ± 12.5, p < 0.01). The recurrence group also demonstrated more irregular blood vessels (1.8 8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 5 ± 1.3, p < 0.05), and a lower energy (1575.5 ± 674.3 J/ml vs. 1172.3 ± 454.2 J/ml, p < 0.01). In addition, 81.2% (13/16) of the patients in the recurrence group were adjacent to the vital structures, which is significantly higher than that of the non-recurrence group 28.7% (27/94) (p < 0.01).Conclusions: The US-guided MWA results in a satisfactory long-term outcome of the patients with a benign solitary thyroid nodule. We identified three risk factors for recurrence: initial volume, vascularity and the energy per 1 ml reduction in nodular volume.

Laser ablation is more effective for spongiform than solid thyroid nodules. A 4-year retrospective follow-up study

Purpose: Laser ablation (LA) is used as therapeutic modality for reducing the volume of large benign thyroid nodules. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of LA therapy in patients with benign non-functioning thyroid nodules in a 4-year follow-up and evaluate whether different compactness of nodules may influence the final shrinkage.Patients and methods: Fifty-six euthyroid patients (42 females; mean age 54.7 ± 11.7 years) with benign cold thyroid solitary nodules or a dominant nodule within a multinodular goitre underwent LA between July 2009 and March 2012. Nodule volume, thyroid function test and ultrasound were monitored at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure, then annually.Results: With a mean baseline volume of 15.7 ± 11.7 mL, nodule volume decreased by 55.5% (6.5 ± 5.7 mL) 4 years after LA (p < .01). Nodules had a significant decrease at 3 and 6 months, thereafter they remained stable, with an insignificant tendency to re-growth at 48 months. Thyroid functions and antibodies were unchanged throughout the follow-up. When dividing nodules into solid and spongiform, the former decreased at 6 months, remained stable up to 24 months, but showed a non-significant tendency to increase thereafter. Spongiform nodules progressively decreased up to 48 months. The difference in nodules’ reduction between solid and spongiform nodules was significant from 3 months (p = .04) and became even more significant up to 48 months (p = .001).Conclusions: The LA technique succeeded in reducing thyroid nodules by about 50% at 4 years, but was more effective for spongiform than solid nodules.