Gaetano Achille1, Stefania Zizzi2, Enrico Di Stasio3, Alberto Grammatica4, Luciano Grammatica2. 1. Cervico-Facial Ultrasound Diagnostic and Interventional Unit, Institute of Oncology, Bari, Italy. 2. Ear, Nose, and Throat Unit (ENTU), Institute of Oncology, Bari, Italy. 3. Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. 4. Head and Neck Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laser ablation may be useful in debulking of benign thyroid nodules. METHODS: In order to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser ablation, 45 patients with benign solid thyroid nodules, with a fluid component ≤20%, were included in our series between October 2009 and January 2011. All reported pressure and/or cosmetic complaints. Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm was used, with a fix-power (3W), changing the application time. All patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months and any complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean nodule volume reduction decreased from 24.2 mL ± 19.4 to 4.5 ± 5.2 at 12 months (p < .001). Mean nodule volume reduction was 84% ± 13. Cosmetic signs were completely resolved in 87%, reduced in 9%, unchanged in 2%, and pressure symptoms were resolved in 88%. One patient experienced transient dysphonia. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided laser ablation is an effective tool for treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in patients not eligible for surgery.
BACKGROUND: Laser ablation may be useful in debulking of benign thyroid nodules. METHODS: In order to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser ablation, 45 patients with benign solid thyroid nodules, with a fluid component ≤20%, were included in our series between October 2009 and January 2011. All reported pressure and/or cosmetic complaints. Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm was used, with a fix-power (3W), changing the application time. All patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months and any complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean nodule volume reduction decreased from 24.2 mL ± 19.4 to 4.5 ± 5.2 at 12 months (p < .001). Mean nodule volume reduction was 84% ± 13. Cosmetic signs were completely resolved in 87%, reduced in 9%, unchanged in 2%, and pressure symptoms were resolved in 88%. One patient experienced transient dysphonia. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided laser ablation is an effective tool for treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in patients not eligible for surgery.
Authors: Anna Pisani Mainini; Cristian Monaco; Lorenzo Carlo Pescatori; Chiara De Angelis; Francesco Sardanelli; Luca Maria Sconfienza; Giovanni Mauri Journal: J Ultrasound Date: 2016-10-21