Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of thyroid radiofrequency (RF) ablation for benign thyroid nodules by trained radiologists according to a unified protocol in a multi-center study.

Materials And Methods: From 2010 to 2011, 345 nodules from 345 patients (M:F = 43:302; mean age ± SD = 46.0 ± 12.

Radiofrequency ablation of small follicular neoplasms: initial clinical outcomes.

Background: In thyroid gland, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been applied to both recurrent cancers and benign nodules, although, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) guidelines, surgery is the first-line treatment for follicular neoplasm. However, it has been argued that follicular neoplasm with lower risk of malignancy can be managed by close follow-up. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of RFA of small follicular neoplasms, examining reductions in volume and related clinical problems, and making observations over long-term follow-up.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Observation for Nonfunctioning Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Randomized Controlled International Collaborative Trial.

Background: Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) has been reported as an effective tool for the management of benign thyroid nodules (BTN). However, large, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking.

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess the volume reduction of BTN after a single RFA performed using the moving-shot technique and to compare the volume reduction obtained in patients treated in two centers with different experience of the moving-shot technique.

Radiofrequency ablation for autonomously functioning thyroid nodules: a multicenter study.

Background: The purpose of this study is to validate the generalizability of the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for treating autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) in a large population multicenter study.

Methods: This study included 44 patients from 5 institutions who refused or were not suitable for surgery or radioiodine therapy. Twenty-three patients were affected by a toxic nodule and 21 by a pretoxic nodule.

Single-session treatment of benign cystic thyroid nodules with ethanol versus radiofrequency ablation: a prospective randomized study.

Purpose: To compare volume reduction of single-session ethanol ablation (EA) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation for cystic thyroid nodule treatment.

Materials And Methods: All patients gave written informed consent to participate in this prospective institutional review board-approved study. From May 6, 2010, to August 8, 2011, in this single-institutional, noninferiority trial, 50 patients, each with a single cystic thyroid nodule, were randomly assigned to EA (25 patients; mean age for women, 45.

Symptomatic nonfunctioning parathyroid cysts: role of simple aspiration and ethanol ablation.

Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of simple aspiration and ethanol ablation in the management of symptomatic nonfunctioning parathyroid cyst (PC).

Methods: We performed simple aspirations for 12 PCs in 12 patients from March 1997 to June 2010. PC was diagnosed if the aspirated fluid was clear colorless and showed an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level.

Radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules does not affect thyroid function in patients with previous lobectomy.

Background: Surgical management of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in patients with previous lobectomy poses a dilemma for physicians. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation may provide a treatment option that avoids surgery and preserves thyroid function. We evaluated whether RF ablation of benign thyroid nodules affects thyroid function in patients with previous lobectomy.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules in patients with incompletely resolved clinical problems after ethanol ablation (EA).

Background: Although ethanol ablation (EA) is effective, refractory cases have been reported in 5-25% of patients, with a marked decline in efficacy on subsequent reattempt. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after EA of benign thyroid nodules in patients with incompletely resolved initial clinical problems.

Methods: Among 137 patients with 137 benign thyroid nodules who underwent EA, 27 patients (M:F = 5:22; mean age = 38 years, range = 21-60 years) underwent additional RFA if all of the following criteria were fulfilled: (1) complaint of incompletely resolved clinical problems, (2) demonstration of remaining solid component with internal vascularity on 1-month follow-up power Doppler US, and (3) patient desire for additional treatment.

Benign predominantly solid thyroid nodules: prospective study of efficacy of sonographically guided radiofrequency ablation versus control condition.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of benign predominantly solid thyroid nodules by comparing the findings in treatment and control groups.

Subjects And Methods: Thirty patients with normal thyroid function, each with a benign predominantly (> 50%) solid thyroid nodule causing pressure symptoms or cosmetic problems, were assigned to a control group (n = 15) or to a group undergoing a single session of radiofrequency ablation (n = 15). Thyroid nodule volume, thyroid function, pressure symptoms, and cosmetic concerns were evaluated before treatment and during follow-up.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.

Background: Some patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) are not suitable for surgery or radioiodine therapy. Therefore, minimally invasive alternative treatments, such as ethanol ablation or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), are necessary.

Methods: This study included nine patients (4 toxic and 5 pretoxic patients; male to female ratio = 1:8; mean age, 47 +/- 17 (range, 25-71) years) who were not eligible for surgery or radioiodine therapy.

One-step ethanol ablation of viscous cystic thyroid nodules.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of one-step ethanol ablation in the management of viscous cystic thyroid nodules.

Materials And Methods: Viscous cystic thyroid nodules are defined as nodules that cannot be aspirated with an 18-gauge needle. Nine euthyroid patients underwent one-step ethanol ablation of benign single compressive viscous cystic thyroid nodules (cystic portion > 90%).

Radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules: safety and imaging follow-up in 236 patients.

This study evaluated the safety and volume reduction of ultrasonography (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules, and the factors affecting the results obtained. A total of 302 benign thyroid nodules in 236 euthyroid patients underwent RFA between June 2002 and January 2005. RFA was carried out using an internally cooled electrode under local anesthesia.