The Effect of Ethanol Ablation for the Treatment of Benign Cystic Thyroid Nodules / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Simple aspiration is the initial therapy in patients with the symptomatic benign thyroid cystic nodule, but treatment failure is very common. In patients with recurrent cystic thyroid nodules, ethanol ablation (EA), radiofrequency ablation, or laser ablation can be used to prevent reaccumulation of cystic fluid. EA is simple, cheap and needs no specialized equipment. Kim et al. reported the long-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous EA for cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. They also evaluated the clinical factors associated with treatment failure. Successful ablation was obtained in 31 of 40 (77.5%) patients, and initial large cystic volume was the factor associated with therapeutic failure. The side effect was negligible except transient local pain immediately after the procedure. Although this study had retrospective design and irregular follow-up, it is plausible that EA is a safe and effective therapy for treating cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodule.