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Kuo TC, Chen KY, Lai CW, Wang YC, Lin MT, Chang CH, Wu MH. Comparison of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction with thermal ablation versus endoscopic thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules in a propensity-matched cohort. Int J Surg 2024; 110:2568-2576. [PMID: 38376867 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid nodules (TNs) often require intervention due to symptomatic or cosmetic concerns. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has shown promise as a treatment option, offering potential advantages without neck scars. Recently, the scarless treatment alternative of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has emerged. When surgery can be performed in a scarless manner, it remains unclear whether ablation is still the preferred treatment choice. This study aims to compare the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of RFA and TOETVA. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective data analysis was conducted on patients treated with RFA or TOETVA for unilateral benign TNs between December 2016 and September 2021. Propensity score matching was employed to create comparable groups. Various clinicopathologic parameters, treatment outcomes, and costs were assessed. RESULTS Of the 2814 nonfunctional thyroid nodules treated during this period, 642 were benign and unilateral. A total of 121 and 100 patients underwent thermal ablation and transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy, respectively. After matching, 84 patients were selected for each group. Both RFA and TOETVA demonstrated low complication rates, with unique complications associated with each procedure. Treatment time (30.8±13.6 vs. 120.7±36.5 min, P <0.0001) was shorter in the RFA group. Patient satisfaction (significant improvement: 89.3% vs. 61.9%, P <0.0001) and cosmetic results (cosmetic score 1-2: 100.0% vs. 54.76%, P <0.0001) favored TOETVA. RFA was found to be less costly for a single treatment, but the cost of retreatment should be considered. The histological diagnoses post-TOETVA revealed malignancies in 9 out of 84 cases, underscoring the significance of follow-up assessments. CONCLUSION Scarless procedures, RFA and TOETVA, are effective for treating unilateral benign TNs, each with unique advantages and drawbacks. While RFA is cheaper for a single treatment, TOETVA offers superior cosmetic results and patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term safety and cost-effectiveness. It is crucial to remain vigilant about the possibility of malignancy despite benign cytology pre-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chieh-Wen Lai
- Department of Surgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital
| | - Yi-Chia Wang
- Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital
| | | | - Chin-Hao Chang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital & National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chiu CH, Luo SD, Chiang PL, Lin AN, Wang CK, Chou CK, Chi SY, Chen MH, Lin WC. Factors Influencing a Favorable Outcome for RFA of Huge Benign Thyroid Nodules: Preliminary Results and Short-Term Evaluation. Int J Endocrinol 2023; 2023:9021903. [PMID: 38131035 PMCID: PMC10735726 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9021903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate potentially favorable factors influencing the therapeutic success of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of huge benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) (volume >100 ml) and to evaluate the feasibility of RFA as an alternative treatment modality for patients unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. Methods This retrospective study evaluated a total of 868 patients, of which 22 patients had huge BTNs who underwent ultrasound-guided moving shot RFA treatment between May 2017 and January 2022. The huge BTNs were categorized into two groups according to a post-RFA treatment volume reduction ratio (VRR) of >80% and <80% at 6 months. Factors influencing these huge BTNs were reviewed, analyzed, and correlated with treatment effectiveness between the two groups. Results The factors influencing an effective VRR included huge BTNs located on the left side (OR 7.875, p = 0.03), predominant solid/spongiform nodules (OR 7.875, p = 0.03), and higher initial ablation rate (IAR) (p = 0.028). Multivariable logistic regression revealed predominant solid/spongiform nodule and the higher IAR were associated with the advanced VRR. Conclusion RFA was effective at decreasing the volume of huge BTNs with an acceptable complication rate. The BTN characteristics correlated with a better VRR at the 6-month short-term follow-up were predominant solid/spongiform BTNs and those with the first time ablation treatment initial ablation rate. Nevertheless, regarding the higher regrowth rate of these groups of patients who may need to be treated more times, RFA can only be a feasible alternative treatment modality for patients unable or unwilling to undergo operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hua Chiu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Dean Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Ling Chiang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - An-Ni Lin
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Kang Wang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Kai Chou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Yu Chi
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Lin
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Bini F, Pica A, Marinozzi F, Giusti A, Leoncini A, Trimboli P. Model-Optimizing Radiofrequency Parameters of 3D Finite Element Analysis for Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1210. [PMID: 37892940 PMCID: PMC10604455 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation represents an efficient strategy to reduce the volume of thyroid nodules. In this study, a finite element model was developed with the aim of optimizing RF parameters, e.g., input power and treatment duration, in order to achieve the target volume reduction rate (VRR) for a thyroid nodule. RF ablation is modelled as a coupled electro-thermal problem wherein the electric field is applied to induce tissue heating. The electric problem is solved with the Laplace equation, the temperature distribution is estimated with the Pennes bioheat equation, and the thermal damage is evaluated using the Arrhenius equation. The optimization model is applied to RF electrode with different active tip lengths in the interval from 5 mm to 40 mm at the 5 mm step. For each case, we also explored the influence of tumour blood perfusion rate on RF ablation outcomes. The model highlights that longer active tips are more efficient as they require lesser power and shorter treatment time to reach the target VRR. Moreover, this condition is characterized by a reduced transversal ablation zone. In addition, a higher blood perfusion increases the heat dispersion, requiring a different combination of RF power and time treatment to achieve the target VRR. The model may contribute to an improvement in patient-specific RF ablation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Bini
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Andrada Pica
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Franco Marinozzi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Alessandro Giusti
- Dalle Mole Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
| | - Andrea Leoncini
- Servizio di Radiologia e Radiologia Interventistica, Istituto di Imaging della Svizzera Italiana (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
| | - Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Lugano Regional Hospital, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
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Cheng KL, Liang KW, Lee HL, Wang HY, Shen CY. Thyroid artery embolization of large solitary symptomatic benign thyroid nodules through transradial approach. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:5355-5361. [PMID: 37581037 PMCID: PMC10423340 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-1385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy and safety of transradial access (TRA) thyroid artery embolization (TAE) for patients with large solitary symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Six patients with a total of six nodules (three men and three women; mean age, 36.3 years; age range, 23-45 years) underwent TRA TAE between October 2021 and June 2022 and were subsequently followed up three months later, and their cases were retrospectively reviewed. The associated complications were recorded during and after TRA TAE. The volume change and nodule-related symptom score on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) between baseline, 1- and 3-month follow-up was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The technical success rate of the TRA TAE was 100% without conversion to transfemoral access. The mean volume of the nodules decreased between baseline (84.1 mL; range, 46.1-170.5 mL), 1-month (38.8 mL; range, 17.6-91.5 mL; P=0.028) and 3-month (14.8 mL; range, 3.95-26.4 mL; P=0.068) at follow-up after TRA TAE. The mean volume reduction rate was 54.9% (range, 45.2-71.8%) at 1-month follow-up and 81.8% (range, 62.0-92.0%) at 3-month follow-up. The VAS score was reduced at 1-month (P=0.028) and at 3-month follow up (P=0.068). Radial artery spasm (n=1) was noted during TRA TAE, and neck pain (n=5) and voice change (n=1) occurred within 1 week after the procedure and resolved with conservative treatment. No major complications were reported. TRA TAE may be a promising alternative therapy for the management of large solitary thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Cheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung
| | - Keng-Wei Liang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung
| | - Hsiang-Lin Lee
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung
- Department of Surgery, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
| | - Hui-Yu Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
| | - Chao-Yu Shen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung
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Navin PJ, Thompson SM, Kurup AN, Lee RA, Callstrom MR, Castro MR, Stan MN, Welch BT, Schmitz JJ. Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules. Radiographics 2022; 42:1812-1828. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.220021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Navin
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - Scott M. Thompson
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - Anil N. Kurup
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - Robert A. Lee
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - Matthew R. Callstrom
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - M. Regina Castro
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - Marius N. Stan
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - Brian T. Welch
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
| | - John J. Schmitz
- From the Departments of Radiology (P.J.N., S.M.T., A.N.K., R.A.L., M.R.C., B.T.W., J.J.S.) and Endocrinology (M.R.C., M.N.S.), Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0002
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Li YR, Chou WY, Chan WK, Cheng KL, Sun JH, Liu FH, Chen ST, Liou MJ. Successful Applications of Food-Assisted and -Simulated Training Model of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:809835. [PMID: 35432189 PMCID: PMC9009177 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.809835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules is one kind of scarless treatment for symptomatic or cosmetic benign thyroid nodules. However, how to train RFA-naive physicians to become qualified operators for thyroid RFA is an important issue. Our study aimed to introduce a successful training model of thyroid RFA. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a food-assisted and -simulated training model of thyroid RFA. Chicken hearts were simulated into thyroid nodules, three-layer pork meats were simulated into peri-thyroid structure, and gel bottles were simulated into trachea, respectively. Successful training ablations were defined as chicken hearts that were fully cooked. After repeating training ablations of chicken hearts at least 100 times with the nearly 100% success rates for three young trainees, they served as the first assistant for the real procedures of thyroid RFA and then were qualified to perform thyroid RFA on real patients under the supervision of one experienced interventional radiologist. RESULTS 23 real patients who received RFA and follow-up at least 6 months after treatment were included in Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021. Three young endocrinologists performed thyroid RFA independently. The outcomes were volume reduction rate (VRR), major complications and minor complications. The median VRR at 12 months was 82.00%, two major complications were transient hoarseness, and three minor complications were wound pain. All complications were completely recovered within three days. CONCLUSIONS For young and RFA-native physicians without any basic skills of echo-guided intervention, this food-assisted and -simulated training model of thyroid RFA was useful for medical training and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Rong Li
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Chou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wai-Kin Chan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lun Cheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hung Sun
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Hsuan Liu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Tah Chen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Miaw-Jene Liou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Miaw-Jene Liou,
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