Abstract
Background: Thyroid nodules are a common clinical finding. Even though there are various accepted treatments for the benign thyroid nodules, there are alternative methods for managing these patients with fewer expenses and also minimum complications. This study aims to compare the volume decline of radiofrequency (RF) ablation and single-session ethanol ablation (EA) and the effects of levothyroxine therapy for benign thyroid nodule treatment.Materials: In this clinical trial, 90 patients with benign thyroid nodules in different centers in Tehran, Iran, from December 6, 2018, to December 6, 2019, were included. Patients who had met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly allocated into three groups (each of 30) of a single session of radiofrequency ablation (Group 1), a single session of ethanol injection (Group 2), or a 6-month LT4 treatment (Group 3). Thyroid tests, including TSH, T4, T3, anti-TPO, T3RU, and serum Calcitonin level, were recorded at baseline and again at 1, 3, and six months. Nodule volume was also assessed through sonography at baseline and the other checkpoints.Results: The mean volume reduction after 6 months of intervention for ethanol injection group, radiofrequency ablation group, and LT4 treatment group were 72.2%, 83.4%, and 21.8%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between mean volume reduction and months (1, 3, and six) (P<0.001).Conclusions: Although radiofrequency ablation therapy is the best modality for managing benign thyroid nodules in our study, it is more expensive than the other modalities despite comparable therapeutic effects.
Efficacy and safety of single-session radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules of different sizes: a retrospective study