Int J Thyroidol.  2015 Nov;8(2):183-186. 10.11106/ijt.2015.8.2.183.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Performed by an Endocrinologist for Benign Thyroid Nodules

• Kim TH
• Kim SM
• Jung AL
• Moon SK
• Yang DH
• Park CM
• Jo SH
• Park DW
• Seo SH
• Lee SH
• Kim JT
• Kim S

• KMID: 2171226
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/ijt.2015.8.2.183

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Radiofrequency ablation has recently been used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, with outstanding results. However, in most studies, the procedure was usually performed by a radiologist or surgeon. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for nodules >2 cm performed by an endocrinologist with several years of experience performing fine-needle aspiration cytology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 111 patients who received radiofrequency ablation between April 2010 and July 2013. A total of 73 patients with 75 nodules >2 cm in diameter with at least 6 months of follow-up examinations were included.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 11.5 months. The mean nodule volume decreased from 17.0+/-15.3 mL preoperatively to 6.0+/-8.5 mL postoperatively, with a mean volume reduction of 69.7%. There were no major complications, and only 1 patient (1.3%) presented with a minor complication (hemorrhaging of the thyroid parenchyma).
CONCLUSION
Radiofrequency ablation is a safe method for reducing benign thyroid nodules, and is not associated with any major complications.

Keyword

Radiofrequency ablation; Thyroid; Benign; Nodule; Endocrinologist

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Catheter Ablation*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Nodule*

Reference

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