Endocrine Abstracts

Purpose: Thyroid nodules are an extremely common occurrence. The aim of the study is to evaluate the results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules.

Materials and methods: Three hundred and sixty two patients with benign symptomatic thyroid nodules (TIRADS/ Bethesda: TIRADS 2, TIRADS 3/THY 2) were included in this research: 355 women and 7 men. The median age of the group was 48 (24–76). The mean nodule size was 3.5 (1.5–9.5) cm. In 280 cases nodules had solid content, in 82 cases – mixed solid and cystic content. In case of cystic component, aspiration was needed before performing RFA. The mean duration of RFA was 3 (1.5–7) min. All the procedures were performed under local anesthesia with real time ultrasound control. Technique of dynamic RFA was applied. Internally cooled 1.0–1.2 mm-gauge, 70–100 mm length, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 cm active tip electrodes were used. During the procedure permanent control of hoarse voice was carried out to avoid complications. The follow-up period of patients was 1–30 months.

Results: At 1-month follow-up the mean volume reduction was 30 (15–50)%. In further follow-up the reduction of nodule volume was 50% at 6-month follow-up and 75% at 9-month follow-up. RFA was needed to repeat for 19 patients that had an initial nodule size more than 4.5 cm. None of patients experienced any major complications. A surgery was required for four patients whose nodules did not decrease in volume (15%) during the first month follow-up.

Conclusion: RFA is a minimally invasive technique for treatment of benign thyroid nodules with high clinical efficacy.