Management strategy for nerve damage during radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules

Objective: The aim of this study was to introduce a management strategy for nerve damage occurring during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: From January 2016 to October 2017, 17 patients who experienced the symptoms of nerve damage during RFA were enrolled in this study. If damage to nerves wa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of hyperthermia 2019-01, Vol.36 (1), p.203-209
Main Authors: Chung, Sae Rom, Baek, Jung Hwan, Choi, Young Jun, Lee, Jeong Hyun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Case-Control Studies
catheter ablation
complication
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Nerve Degeneration - pathology
Nerve Degeneration - therapy
Radiofrequency Ablation - methods
recurrent thyroid cancer
Retrospective Studies
safety
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid Nodule - radiotherapy
Treatment Outcome
ultrasonography
Young Adult
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Summary:Objective: The aim of this study was to introduce a management strategy for nerve damage occurring during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: From January 2016 to October 2017, 17 patients who experienced the symptoms of nerve damage during RFA were enrolled in this study. If damage to nerves was suspected during RFA, ablation was stopped immediately, and a cold solution of 5% dextrose was injected directly into the space where the nerves were located until symptoms improved. Patients were followed up after the procedure until symptoms had resolved. The clinical data of patients who received a cold dextrose solution injection for nerve damage were compared with those who did not receive such an injection. Results: Of 17 patients who experienced nerve damage, 12 received an injection of cold dextrose solution shortly after the emergence of symptoms. While resolution of symptoms was seen in all 17 patients, the mean time to recovery was significantly faster in the 12 patients who received treatment with an injection of cold dextrose solution than in those patients who did not receive such a treatment (p value = .041). Conclusions: In the event of thermal damage to adjacent nerve structures during RFA, the direct injection of a cold dextrose solution is a simple and effective treatment that can result in rapid symptom resolution.
ISSN:0265-6736
1464-5157
DOI:10.1080/02656736.2018.1554826