Effectiveness and outcomes of microwave ablation for solid benign thyroid nodules (>10mL): a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) larger than 10mL can cause cosmetic and symptomatic issues.
• Traditional treatments like surgery carry risks, especially for high-risk patients.
• Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored for managing BTNs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for solid BTNs (>10mL).
• To determine factors influencing the volume reduction rate (VRR) after MWA.
• To compare outcomes between high-risk surgical and low-risk surgical patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 123 patients with solid BTNs (>10mL) treated with ultrasound-guided MWA.
• Follow-up included ultrasound examinations at specified intervals up to 12 months and annually thereafter.
• Outcome measures: VRR, symptom/cosmetic scores, complication rates, and factors affecting VRR.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up of 28.3 months achieved a final VRR of 80.73%, with 91.87% >50% VRR at 12 months.
• Significant improvements in symptom (p<0.001) and cosmetic (p<0.001) scores were observed.
• Major complication rate was 4.88% with no permanent sequelae; baseline nodule volume negatively correlated with VRR (β = -0.82, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• MWA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for large solid BTNs.
• It significantly reduces nodule volume and improves patient symptoms and cosmetic appearance.
• MWA offers a valuable alternative to surgery, particularly for high-risk individuals.