| Objective: To study the clinical effect of ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA) for benign thyroid nodules with a regular follow up after therapy.Methods: Analysis was conducted on 119 patients with benign thyroid nodules for ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation therapy under basic anesthesia from January2013 to June 2014.The nodule size in ultrasound,symptoms and cosmetic scores were evaluated before and after RFA,the nodule volume reduction rate was calculated, and the related complications and related factors of efficacy were assessed during follow up.Each case was followed up for more than 1 year regularly.Results:(1)Radiofrequency ablation of benign nodules showed volume reductions of40.3±11.2% at 1 month and 56.1±9.8% at 3 months,68.6±8.0% at 6 months,76.0±6.5% at 9 months, 82.5±7.0% at 12 months separately, while reducing symptoms and cosmetic problems.(2)When we compared VRR of nodules assorted by initial solidity, we found that the VRRs at each follow-up were greater for nodules of ? 50 % solidity than those of <50 % solidity.(3)Subgroup analysis showed that last VRR differ significantly among groups of nodules assorted by initial volume between < 10 ml and those ? 10 ml, and the number of treatment sessions wassignificantly increased as the initial nodule volume increase.(4)Multiple linear regression analysis showed that initial nodule volume(P<0.05) was independent factors predicting final VRR.(5) 17 patients experienced local pain during RFA,.while major complications were observed in two patients(with voice change and brachial plexus injury but recovered in3 months without sequelae), no patients got a haematoma or vomiting. No patient experienced a life-threatening or delayed complication during follow-up.Conclusion: Ultrasound guided RFA may be an safe and effective non-surgical alternative in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. There were no life-threatening complications or sequelae.Therefore, RFA is clinically prospective for application. |
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