Ultrasound‐Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: 2‐Year Follow‐Up Results from a Single Center
Jimei Sun, Xiaowen Huang, Lusheng Zhang, Yongping Lin, Wenjuan Chen, Bin Zou, Huabin Chen, Weiquan luo, Fuqiang ZengObjectives
Ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective alternative to surgery for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). This study aimed to evaluate the 2‐year clinical outcomes of RFA, focusing on volume reduction rate across different baseline volume strata.
Methods
This single‐center prospective study included 200 patients with 213 BTNs treated with RFA. Nodules were stratified into 3 groups based on baseline volume: Group A (<5 mL, n = 91), Group B (5–15 mL, n = 95), and Group C (>15 mL, n = 27). Clinical outcomes were assessed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary metrics were the volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success (VRR >50%), and complication rates.
Results
RFA resulted in continuous and significant volume reduction. Median VRR increased from 66.06% at 6 months to 97.08% at 24 months. Distinct reduction patterns were observed: at 6 months, larger nodules (Group C) exhibited a higher VRR (85.40%) than Group A (59.51%) and Group B (64.33%) ( p = .001). However, disparities narrowed over time. By 24 months, all groups achieved comparable outcomes (VRR: 97.67, 95.22, and 98.53%, respectively). Therapeutic success ranged from 92.3 to 100%. Regrowth occurred in 2.8% of cases. The complication rate was 2.5% with no major events.
Conclusion
RFA demonstrates favorable long‐term efficacy. Larger nodules shrink faster initially, while smaller nodules reduce gradually but eventually achieve comparable success. Patients with smaller nodules should be counseled to expect a more gradual volume reduction process.