Analysis of 5 years' experience of a head and neck surgeon with radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodule

Abstract

Purpose: This 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 methods: We 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. Results: The 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. Conclusions: RFA 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.