Background: The aim of this study is to measure the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation
(RFA) as a treatment option for benign thyroid nodules. Method(s): The study includes 56 pathologically proven benign thyroid nodules from 50 patients
as Bethesda II by two timely separated fine needle aspiration (FNA). All nodules were
treated with RFA between January 2016 and December 2018 by interventional radiologist.
The volume and size of the nodules were determined before treatment utilizing ultrasound
evaluation. The response was retrospectively assessed using the volume reduction ratio
(VRR) by ultrasound examination at 6 months and 12 months post ablation procedure.
Therapeutic success was defined as a >50% and 75% volume reduction at 6 months and
1 year, respectively. All minor and major complications were recorded. Result(s): The mean volume of nodule was 54.3 cm3 (42.6–291.5). The mean VRRs were 60.4±12.7%
at 6 months and 81.4±11.8% at 1 year. Two patients (4%) had immediate voice changes
and three patients (6%) had infection with sinus formation. Conclusion(s): Radiofrequency ablation is very effective in decreasing the size of the benign thyroid
nodule.
