Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Thyroid Benign Nodules:a Report of 61 Cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation for thyroid benign nodules . Methods By using the radiofrequency electrode (18G ×7 cm, working segment length =1 cm), a total of 61 patients with 87 thyroid benign nodules underwent ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in our department from February 2013 to May 2014.The maximum diameter , volume, and volume-reduction ratio (VRR) were measured by ultrasound at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. Results The 61 patients with 87 thyroid benign nodules were successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation , including 3 cases receiving secondary ablation after 1 month.The maximum diameter of thyroid nodules was (2.24 ±0.63) cm preoperatively, and (1.82 ±0.81) cm, (1.52 ±0.72) cm, (1.03 ±0.43) cm, and (0.56 ±0.36) cm at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation, respectively.The maximun volume was (5.37 ±1.85) ml preoperatively, and (4.41 ±2.16) ml, (3.19 ±1.92) ml, (1.34 ±0.61) ml, and (0.69 ±0.41) ml at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation, respectively.The VRR were (20.7 ±13.2)%, (48.6 ±16.1)%, (77.3 ±4.7)%and (88.7 ±5.6)%, respectively at 1,3,6, and 12 months after ablation.At the final follow-up, 51 (58.6%) nodules disappeared completely. Conclusion Ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation for thyroid benign nodules is safe and effective .