Evaluation of the early efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules in symptomatic patients

Dr Nguyen To Ngan1, Dr Vu Dang Luu1, professor Pham Minh Thong1, Dr Ngo Le Lam2
1 Radiology Center - Bach Mai Hospital
2 Diagnostic Imaging Center – K3 . Hospital

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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the early efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treatment of benign thyroid nodules, which causes symptoms in the Department Radiology- Bach Mai Hospital.
Methods: We evaluated 51 benign thyroid nodules from 43 patients treated with RF ablation between 10/2016 and 4/2017. The
procedure began with examining and diagnosing an benign thyroid nodules which causes symtoms by clinical physicians. The patients were diagnosed with a benign thyroid nodule according to the TIRADS classification combined with at least two appropriate results of cytology or biopsy by radiologists. The patients were then considered and performed radiofrequency ablation treatment for benign thyroid nodules. The follow-up examinations took place 1 month after RF ablation.
Results: (1) 94% of the tumors needed only one time of RFA; (2)One treatment duration of RFA lasted an average of 21.8 minutes, (3) 76% of the tumors decreased by 30-50% volume, 11 % decreased by >50% volume. (4) 100% of the treated individuals will reduce perfusion. (5) 96.4% of patients reduced or lost their symptoms. (6) There were no major complications during treatment, minor side effects (neck pain, bleeding,voice change …) restored after 2 weeks maximum.
Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive method and an effective treatment for symptomatic thyroid nodules that are confirmed benign.

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References

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