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. Sonographically guided radiofrequency ablation was performed with an internally cooled electrode (1-cm active tip) with an output power of 30–80 W.RESULTS. The control group had no resolution of symptoms or cosmetic problems. The mean nodule volume increased slightly after 6 months but without statistical significance (p = 0.46). In the radiofrequency ablation group, the mean symptom s...