Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: The Correlation Between Ultrasound Nodule Characteristics and Results. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feroci, Francesco; Guagni, Tommaso; Coppola, Angela; Perini, Davina; Conforti, Barbara; Genzano, Chiara; Belliti, Deanna; Petrucci, Alvaro; Sarno, Antonio; Cantafio, Stefano
• Is Part Of: Surgical innovation. Volume 27:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 342
• Page End: 351
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: radiofrequency thermal ablation -- thyroid cancer -- thyroid nodules -- thyroid cytopathology -- thyroid ultrasound; Surgery, Operative -- Periodicals; Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Laparoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive -- Periodicals; Diffusion of Innovation -- Periodicals; Chirurgie opératoire -- Périodiques; Chirurgie endoscopique -- Périodiques; Chirurgie laparoscopique -- Périodiques; 617.91
• DOI: 10.1177/1553350620913134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1553-3506

Abstract

Background . The aim of this observational study was to investigate for which nodules a better response to radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) for nonfunctioning benign thyroid nodules is likely. Methods . Aesthetic score, compressive score, and volume of 32 benign nodules from 32 patients were registered during follow-up at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results . A volume reduction rate (VRR) of 72.56% at 12 months after the procedure ( P = .009) was registered. A significant ( P < .001) improvement in the compressive and aesthetic scores was observed. Nodules with a baseline volume <20 mL had VRRs at 3 and 6 months that were significantly greater than those with volume >20 mL ( P = .037). Conclusions . RFA was shown to be a safe and effective procedure for the management of benign thyroid nodules and that there is a correlation between the initial size of the nodule and the response to treatment.