RFA afforded significant volume reduction rate and improvements in the symptom and cosmetic scores, maintained to 5 years.
•RFA performed over 5 years by a single head-and-neck surgeon was safe and effective.
•Complication rate was as low as that of previous studies, and the surgeon handled all complications personally.
AbstractPurposeThis study reports the long-term efficacy, safety, complications and management of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodule performed over 5 years by a head and neck surgeon.
Materials and methodsWe studied 287 consecutive patients who underwent RFA between March 2011 and January 2021. Pre- and postoperative thyroid nodule volumes were measured and volume reduction rate was calculated using ultrasonography (USG). Subjective symptom scores and cosmetic scores were investigated. Complications and their managements were analyzed. Complications and their management were investigated. Follow-up USG was performed at 6 and 12 months after RFA, and annually thereafter.
ResultsThe mean volume reduction was 75.2 ± 23.8 % after 6 months and 91.9 ± 14.8 % after 5 years. All of nodule volume, and the cosmetic and symptom scores, decreased significantly postoperatively, and these scores were maintained to 5 years. Minor complications occurred in 15 of 287 (5.2 %) patients; there were no major complications. Injection laryngoplasty was performed for three patients with vocal cord paralysis. Two patients underwent open thyroid surgery because of nodule regrowth.
ConclusionsRFA is a safe and effective treatment without major complication for more than five years. Minor complications were managed by the head-and-neck surgeon personally.
AbbreviationsRFAradiofrequency ablation
KeywordsThyroid nodule
Radiofrequency ablation
Ablation techniques
General surgery
Ultrasonography
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