Endocrine Abstracts

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating of benign thyroid nodules of long-term follow-up.

Material and methods

The retrospective analysis included the results of treatment of 600 patients with benign tumors of the thyroid gland in the Samara Oncology Center. 108 (18%) patients had autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and 492 (82%) had symptomatic ones. The mean volume of nodule was 33.1 (1.5–179.5) ml.

Results

RFA reduced nodular volume by 68% after 6 months, 85% after 60 months and it was an effective method for treating nodule-related clinical problems and hot nodules. 54 (9%) patients with nodule volume more than 75 ml underwent 2–10 sessions of RFA. Cosmetic results were excellent in 95% of patients. No serious complications such as thyroiditis, voice change, and hematomas were observed.

Conclusion

Long-term follow-up showed that RFA was effective and safe for treating benign thyroid nodules.