Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: prospective cost-effectiveness analysis in comparison to conventional thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the total costs of surgery and radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: This is a prospective randomized study comparing cases treated with US-guided RF ablation (cases) and surgery (control). They were selected and allocated to groups (thyroidectomy or radioablation) by permuted block randomization in blocks of five cases each. Results: Five cases of RF Ablation were compared with five cases of thyroidectomies conducted in the same period. Similar complication rates were observed in both groups. Shorter operating time and hospital stay were observed for the RF group. In the evaluation of the total cost between procedures, radioblation represented 76% of the cost of partial thyroidectomy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that radioablation has a competitive cost, making it an effective alternative in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

Graves' Disease that Developed Shortly after Surgery for Thyroid Cancer

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that may present with various clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism. Patients with Graves' disease have a greater number of thyroid nodules and a higher incidence of thyroid cancer compared with patients with normal thyroid activity. However, cases in which patients are diagnosed with recurrence of Graves' disease shortly after partial thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer are very rare. Here we report a case of hyperthyroid Graves' disease that occurred after partial thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer. In this case, the patient developed hyperthyroidism 9 months after right hemithyroidectomy, and antithyroglobulin autoantibody and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor stimulating autoantibody were positive. Therefore, we diagnosed Graves' disease on the basis of the laboratory test results and thyroid ultrasonography findings. The patient was treated with and maintained on antithyroid drugs. The mechanism of the recurrence of Graves' disease in this patient is still unclear. The mechanism may have been the improper response of the immune system after partial thyroidectomy. To precisely determine the mechanisms in Graves' disease after partial thyroidectomy, further studies based on a greater number of cases are needed.

Endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy through subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle: A report of 15 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To study the methods and effects of endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy through subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Methods The study included 15 patients with unilateral thyroid benign nodules.A transversal subclavicular incision 2~3 cm in length was made.Endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy was performed through the subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Results The operation was accomplished successfully in all the 15 patients.The operation time was 40~80 min(mean,50 min) and the intraoperative blood loss was 10~50 ml(mean,20 ml).No surgical complications occurred.The patients were discharged from hospital on 3~4 postoperative days.Follow-up observations in the 15 patients for 1~12 months(mean,7 months) revealed no recurrence.Conclusions Endoscope-assisted partial thyroidectomy through subclavicular approach between the cervical anterior muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscle has the advantages of minimal invasion,little blood loss, low complication rate,quick recovery,and good cosmetic results.