Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Radiofrequency ablation has recently been used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, with outstanding results. However, in most related studies, smaller nodules (<2 cm) were included and the procedure was usually performed by a radiologist or surgeon. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for nodules >2 cm performed by an endocrinologist with several years of experience performing fine-needle aspiration cytology.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 111 patients who received radiofrequency ablation between April 2010 and July 2013; 73 patients with 75 nodules >2 cm in diameter with at least 6 months of follow-up examinations were included.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 11.5 months. The mean nodule volume decreased from 17.0±15. ml preoperatively to 6.0±8.5 ml postoperatively, with a mean volume reduction of 69.7%. There were no major complications, and only one patient (1.3%) presented with a minor complication (haemorrhaging of the thyroid parenchyma).

Conclusions: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe method for reducing the size of large benign thyroid nodules and is not associated with any major complications.