갑상선 양성 결절의 고주파열치료법: 예비보고

Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: Preliminary Report

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and volume reduction of ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules. Methods: Twelve benign thyroid nodules in 11 euthyroid patients underwent RFA between January 2010 and December 2010. RFA was carried out using an internally cooled electrode under local anesthesia. Thyroid nodule volume was evaluated before RFA and during follow-up. Results: The mean initial volume was 8.9 ml (0.4∼33.0 ml). After RFA, the mean volume was decreased to 3.6 ml (0.1∼17.0 ml) with statiscal significance (P=0.003). The mean volume reduction rate was 64.6% (25.5∼95.4%). Most patients complained of pain during or after RFA, but the pain was relieved with oral analgesics. There was vocal cord palsy in one patient, who recovered one month after RFA. Conclusion: Ultrasonography-guided RFA is a safe modality effective at reducing volume of benign thyroid nodules. (Korean J Endocrine Surg 2011;11:252-255)