Implementation of cervical ultrasound and related techniques in endocrinology and nutrition services in Spain....

Before 2014, few Endocrinology and Nutrition Departments nationwide routinely used cervical ultrasound. Following the training activities promoted by the Thyroid Pathology Imaging Group, it is important to evaluate the current level of implementation of ultrasound and ultrasound-guided techniques in clinical practice.

A structured, self-administered survey was designed and sent electronically to hospitals throughout the country.

Responses were received from a total of 101 hospitals. Ninety-three percent of the departments surveyed reported routine use of ultrasound in clinical practice, with specialized consultations in 71% of cases. Sixty percent performed fine-needle aspiration cytology, and 55% performed staging and follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer. Among minimally invasive techniques (MIT), 42% of centers perform enolization of thyroid cysts and 12% offer thermal ablation techniques, with radiofrequency being the most commonly used modality. Eighty-six% of professionals have received training through the Applied Imaging Techniques for Thyroid Pathology Group of the SEEN (National Institute of Endocrinology and Nutrition). Currently, 56 centers offer specific ultrasound training for medical residents in the specialty.

Over the last decade, ultrasound has been widely implemented in the Endocrinology and Nutrition Departments affiliated with the SEEN, including the incorporation of ultrasound-guided techniques into routine practice. However, the use of MIT such as thermal ablation is still limited, so it is considered necessary to strengthen both specific training and institutional support to promote its maximum implementation.