ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect for percutaneous microwave ablation of type I substernal goiter under the guidance of ultrasound . Methods Thirteen patients with type I substernal goiter were selected . All patients underwent percutaneous microwave ablation treatment under the guidance of ultrasound . Thirteen patients with 47 medals nodules were performed ultrasound guided percutaneous microwave ablation . Intraoperative heat blocking blood flow was used to prevent severe hemorrhage .Liquid isolation belt and leverage from methods were used to effectively prevent surrounding important structures against heat damage .Small amount of residual method was used to avoid tracheal collapse . All patients were followed up post‐operative 1 ,3 ,6 ,12 months by monitoring of thyroid nodule volume change , adverse reactions , and postoperative complications . Results Thirteen patients with 47 medals nodules were successfully performed percutaneous microwave ablation guided by ultrasound . Among them ,2 patients performed the second treatment for too large volume of goiter ,tracheal displacement and poor physical tolerance of older . The postoperative ultrasound contrast and color Doppler showed that the lesions were completely inactivated . No obvious complications occurred in all 13 patients , and no permanent hoarseness occured . The symptoms of cervical oppression and discomfort disappeared for all patients within 1-4 months after surgery . Thirteen patients were followed up for 12 months after the operation . The thyroid function was normal and the volume reduction rate of thyroid nodules was (85 ± 31)% . Conclusions Percutaneous microwave ablation of type I substernal goiter under ultrasonic guidance is a safe and effective method to reduce the thyroid nodules with no serious complications . It is worth to be popularized in clinical practice .