Treatment of Thyroid Nodules with Radiofrequency: a 1–year follow up experience

Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the efectiveness and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in debulking benign\r\nsolid thyroid nodules.\r\nMaterials and methods This is a retrospective review of 77 patients with predominantly solid thyroid nodules treated with\r\nRFA in a single center between 2013 and 2016. All patients declined or were not eligible for surgery. Benign proven thyroid\r\nnodules causing compressive symptoms and cosmetic concerns were considered for treatment. Nodule volume, thyroid\r\nnodule related compressive symptoms, cosmetic concerns and thyroid function were evaluated.\r\nResults All patients underwent a single treatment session. Mean nodule volume decreased from 17.9±15.6 mL at baseline\r\nto 5.2±7.4 after 12 months with a volume reduction ratio (VRR) of 70.9%±20.8%. There were no identifable factors\r\npredictive of response to RFA. Median cosmetic and symptom scores of the entire population decreased from 3 [2–4] and 3\r\n[0–10] to 1 [1–3] (p<0.001) and 0 [0–5] (p<0.001), respectively. No major complications occurred and RFA did not afect\r\nthyroid function when normal.\r\nConclusion RFA induces substantial volume reduction of predominantly solid thyroid nodules and improves compressive\r\nsymptoms and cosmetic concerns. RFA does not impact normal thyroid function and has an acceptable safety profle.