The Role of Radiofrequency Ablation as an Alternative Tool in Management of Symptomatic Benign Thyroid Nodules

Abstract

hyroid nodules are a frequent finding on neck sonography. Ultrasound is the most commonly used imaging technique for the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are clinically important for several reasons. They may cause thyroid dysfunction, compressive symptoms and cosmetic problems to the patients. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but if nodular growth causes the onset of nodule-related symptoms such as dysphagia, cosmetic problems or a malignant change, the available remedy so far has been mainly surgery, The curative surgery is not only invasive but also produces pain and cosmetic defects in patients. In addition, the damage to the thyroid function associated with surgery cannot be ignored, and a long-term administration of thyroid hormone therapy is usually needed. In cases of several surgical drawbacks and ineligibility, such as patient refusal and poor medical condition, non-surgical techniques for benign thyroid nodules are needed, Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive effective and potent modality that can be used to treat benign thyroid nodules as a safe alternative to surgery. A total of 10 patients were included in the study with the age ranging from 22-82 years old, the mean age was (50.70 ± 17.09). Among them 7 patients (70%) were females and 3 patients (30%) were males.