Clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

AIM To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 37 patients with 38 PTMC nodules underwent RFA at a power of 20 W between September 2014 and December 2017. The clinical data of these patients were reviewed retrospectively and analysed. Imaging studies of the nodules were conducted, and the patients' thyroid function was assessed before RFA; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA; and every 6 months thereafter. The volumes and volume reduction rate (VRR) of the nodules were also calculated. RESULTS RFA with a low power of 20 W was used in the treatment of 37 patients with 38 PTMC nodules. All nodules achieved complete ablation, no complications occurred, and thyroid function was not affected. During follow-up, the volume of the nodules gradually decreased. Twelve months after ablation, the mean volumes of the nodules significantly decreased to 0.01±0.03 ml with a VRR of 99.34±3.49%. At a median follow-up of 6 (range: 1–18) months, 37 of the 38 nodules were completely absorbed, and no recurrence was observed in all 37 patients. CONCLUSIONS Low-power RFA showed good safety and promising efficacy outcomes for the treatment of PTMC. In addition to surgery and active surveillance, RFA may be an alternative treatment option for patients with PTMC.