Morelli, F., Ierardi, A. M., Pompili, G. , Sacrini, A., Biondetti, P., Angileri, S. A., Montesano, G., Petrillo, M., Giacchero, R., Dionigi, G. & Carrafiello, G. (2018). Cooled tip radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules: preliminary experience with two different devices. Gland Surgery, 7(2), pp. 67-79. doi: 10.21037/gs.2017.11.01
Abstract
Background: Thyroid nodules are very common in general population. Even if benign, they may require a treatment in case of symptoms or cosmetic concerns. In the last years, minimally invasive treatments alternative to surgery have been developed, in particular ultrasound (US) guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Methods: Twenty-four patients (9 males; 15 females; mean age 57.9 years) were treated and divided in two groups (A and B) according to the RFA needle used (18 gauge needle, AMICA; 17 gauge needle, COVIDIEN). Nodules and patients characteristics, together with procedural data were registered pretreatment and at 1-month follow-up. US visibility of the needle, volume of the nodules, symptoms and cosmetic concerns, complications were registered.
Results: Visibility of the needle was not significantly different in the two groups (P=0.0787). At 1 month the mean volume of the nodules dropped from 37.1 to 25 mL in group A and from 23.2 to 15.4 mL in group B; shrinkage rate (36.9% and 39.5%, respectively) was not significantly different (P=0.3137). Symptoms decreased from 3.1 to 1.4 in group A and from 4 to 1.6 in group B: no significant differences in reductions were observed (P=0.3305). Cosmetic score decreased from 3.7 to 3.4 in group A and from 3.9 to 3.6 in group B: no significant differences in reductions were observed (P=0.96). Total complication rate (18.2% in group A vs. 23.1% in group B) did not showed significant differences (P=0.5049).
Conclusions: The two systems used in our study resulted equivalent in terms of US needle visibility, efficacy, symptom/cosmetic relief, safety. More patients and a longer follow-up are necessary to confirm our results.
| Publication Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Publisher Keywords: | Ablation techniques; radiofrequency ablation (RFA); thyroid nodule |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RC Internal medicine T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering |
| Departments: | School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Optometry & Visual Sciences |
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