Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The aim of the study was estimate RFA efficacy of large benign thyroid nodules.

Material and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis included the results of RFA treatment of 54 patients with large benign thyroid nodules at the Samara Oncology Center from November 2014 to December 2017. Patients were seeking the alternatives to thyroid surgery because of the unwillingness to be operated on. The mean volume of nodules was 48.5 (36.1–89.7) mL. Before the treatment the following studies were performed: a symptomatic evaluation, a cosmetic evaluation, an ultrasound examination of the thyroid with an evaluation according to TIRADS system, laboratory tests, a fine needle biopsy (twice) under the ultrasound navigation with the cytological evaluation by Bethesda system\. RF ablation was performed using an 18-gauge, internally cooled electrode, length 10 cm, working part 0.7 cm using ‘moving shoot’ technique. During the follow-up nodule volume, thyroid function, compressive symptoms, cosmetic concerns were evaluated.

Results: Median thyroid nodule volume reduction induced by RFA was 56.6% (49.1–81.3). The mean follow-up was 32.3±7.6 months. The therapeutic effect was achieved in 2–7 sessions. The RFA procedure was repeated three months after the first session, the next sessions were performed every 3 months. Compressive symptoms resolved in all patients. Cosmetic concerns improved in 52 patients. The procedure had no sustained complications.

Conclusion: RFA was effective and safe for treating large benign thyroid nodules. It reduced nodules volume and improved compressive and cosmetic symptoms. According to the archived results RFA might be recommended for treating benign thyroid nodules as alternative to conventional treatment.