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Radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules: 4-year follow-up results for 111 patients
Hyun Kyung Lim1, Jeong Hyun Lee, Eun Ju Ha
1Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul 138-736, Korea.
Objectives:
To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for benign non-functioning thyroid nodules over a 4-year follow-up.
Methods:
We evaluated 126 benign non-functioning thyroid nodules of 111 patients treated with RF ablation and followed-up more than 3 years. RF ablation was performed using the Cool-Tip RF system and an internally cooled electrode. Nodule volume and cosmetic and symptom scores were evaluated before treatment and during follow-up. Complications and factors related to efficacy were evaluated.
Results:
The mean follow-up duration was 49.4 ± 13.6 months. Thyroid nodule volume decreased significantly, from 9.8 ± 8.5 ml before ablation to 0.9 ± 3.3 ml (P < 0.001) at final evaluation: a mean volume reduction of 93.4 ± 11.7 %. The mean cosmetic (P < 0.001) and symptom scores (P < 0.001) improved significantly. Factors related to efficacy were initial solidity and volume. The overall recurrence rate was 5.6 % (7/126). The overall complication rate was 3.6 % (4/111).
Conclusions:
RF ablation was effective in shrinking benign thyroid nodules and in controlling nodule-related problems over a 4-year follow-up. There were no life-threatening complications or sequelae. Therefore, RF ablation can be used as a non-surgical treatment for patients with benign non-functioning thyroid nodules.
