Update on the role of ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodule treatment

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Thyroid nodules can be frequently detected in general population, most of them are benign, however malignant cases are rising in the past decades. Ultrasound (US) is the most common imaging modality to assess thyroid nodular lesions, plan patient work-up and guide minimally invasive treatment. The present review paper has been researched to evaluate the current status of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment in order to evaluate indications, techniques, complications, limitations and outcome assessment in benign solid, partially cystic nodules and recurrent malignant nodules. RFA comparison with other ablation techniques has been provided as well. US guided Radiofrequency ablation has been proved to be effective and safe in cases of benign thyroid nodules and a promising treatment method alternative to surgery for patients with recurrent papillary thyroid cancer. It's major role lies in significant reduction of thyroid nodule mean volume and improvement of the patient symptoms. However, future multicenter studies are warranted to better clarify the multi-parametric patient selection criteria and evaluate RFA technique efficacy, advantages and limitations in the variety of thyroid nodular disease.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Surgery
Volume41
Issue numberS1
Pages (from-to)S82-S93
ISSN1743-9191
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2017

    Research areas

  • Radiofrequency ablation, Radiofrequency thermal ablation, RFA, Thyroid, Thyroid gland, Thyroid nodule, Ultrasonography, Ultrasound

ID: 196716551