ABSTRACT
Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe, highly effective, and novel method used to treat benign thyroid nodules. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of RFA and hydrodissection for treating benign thyroid nodules larger than 2 cm. Materials and Methods: The data of 137 patients with at least one thyroid nodule ≥2 cm who underwent RFA combined with hydrodissection at our medical center from November 2014 to October 2016 were analyzed. Ultrasound-guided RFA was applied to 532 nodules, including 139 nodules ≥2 cm and 393 nodes <2 cm. Results: The volumes of thyroid nodules, complications, and changes in thyroid function were analyzed. Ablation treatments were successfully performed without intraoperative skin burns, serious bleeding, or serious thyroid storm. A positive correlation was observed between ablation time and nodule size (R2 = 0.674). Only one patient (0.7%) experienced laryngeal nerve injury after operation. Moreover, the results of thyroid function tests (free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone) remained within normal ranges both before and after ablation. The complete ablation rate was 99.06%. The volumes of both nodules ≥2 cm and <2 cm significantly decreased after ablation. Six months after ablation, the average volume of nodules ≥2 cm had decreased to 1.02 ± 2.42 mL, and the volume reduction ratio was 83.11%. Conclusion: The combination of ultrasound-guided RFA with hydrodissection very effectively treats benign thyroid nodules while reducing damage to the surrounding tissues. This method is safe and effective for treating benign thyroid nodules