Efficacy in size and symptom reduction of radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules

• Published in: Endocrinología, diabetes y nutrición. diabetes y nutrición., 2022-03, Vol.69 (3), p.194-200
• Main Authors: Rodriguez Escobedo, Raul, Martinez Tames, Gema, Lanes Iglesias, Soraya, Alonso Felgueroso, Carlos, Montes Garcia, Ana Maria, Prieto Fernandez, Amador, Sanchez Ragnarsson, Cecilia, Menendez Torre, Edelmiro Luis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ablación por radiofrecuencia; Ecografía; Nódulos tiroideos; Radiofrequency ablation; Thyroid nodules; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 2530-0180; 2530-0180
• DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2022.02.018

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) plays an increasing role in the management of thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA of benign thyroid nodules in terms of volume reduction and symptom relief. We reviewed the medical records of patients with a solitary thyroid nodule who received RFA at our centre from April 2016 to January 2020. Ultrasound-guided RFA was performed by the moving-shot technique. Patients were followed up with ultrasound examinations and thyroid function tests. We evaluated changes in volume and in compressive (0–10 scale) and cosmetic (4-point scale) symptoms to analyse efficacy and complications, and in thyroid function to evaluate safety. A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 11.1±0.7 months. There was a statistically significant reduction in size of the nodules at Month 1, 3, 6 and 12 after RFA (expressed as volume reduction rate: 34%±2.1, 50.8%±2.2, 60.3%±2.6, 58.87%±3.5, p