Learning objectives
To depict the technique,
indications and main complications of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation as a minimally invasive treatment of benign thyroid nodules.
Also to illustrate two cases from our hospital.
Background
Background
Thyroid nodules are a frequent finding due to the increased use of thyroid ultrasonography (US).
Although most of them are benign,
some of them require treatment because of the associated symptoms or cosmetic reasons.
Even though surgery is the treatment of choice,
there are nonsurgical minimally invasive modalities,
such as percutaneous ethanol ablation (EA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA),
which have a lower risk of morbidities.
Also,
these modalities reduce the complications of surgery.
Since RF ablation of thyroid nodules was introduced in 2006,
it...
Findings and procedure details
Our experience with RFA consisted of 2 patients with benign (anatomopathological diagnosis) predominantly solid thyroid nodules who were admitted to our medical center.
Patients were complaining about either cosmetic or pressure symptoms.
The RFA procedure was performed by one of the two neuroradiologists of our Department,
with 10 and 15 years of thyroid US experience.
No major or minor complications were observed.
Follow-up and outcome assessment (Fig.
6-11).
We performed ultrasound controls at a month,
3 months,
6 months and 12 months,
assessing the reduction...
Conclusion
RFA is an effective and safe alternative to surgery in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.
References
Shin J,
Baek J,
Ha E,
Lee J.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: Basic Principles and Clinical Application.
Int J Endocrinol.
2012;2012:919650.
Wong K,
Lang B.
Use of Radiofrequency Ablation in Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Literature Review and Updates.
Int J Endocrinol.
2013;2013:428363.
Ren J,
Wang J,
Wu T,
Hu K,
Xu W,
Zheng B et al.
Complications Following Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review.
Chin Med J (Engl).
2017 Jun 5;130(11):1361-70.
Sung JY,
Kim YS,
Choi H,
Lee JH,
Baek JH....