EFFECTIVENESS OF MICROWAVE ABLATION IN TREATMENT OF BENIGN THYROID NODULE

Abstract

Background: Recently, many minimally invasive treatment methods have been chosen as alternatives to surgery for benign thyroid nodules. Among them, microwave ablation (MWA) is a new, highly regarded minimally-invasive method with many advantages but it has limited application in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in Vietnam.

Objectives: Evaluating the results of treatment of benign thyroid nodule with microwave ablation.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of a case series of patients who were treated for benign thyroid nodule with microwave ablation at the Military Hospital 175.

Results: From January 2023 to September 2024, 61 patients with 65 benign thyroid nodules were treated with microwave ablation. The average age of the patients was 48.7 ± 13 years (21 – 80 years). The female/male ratio was 4.3. Regarding location, nodules were distributed in the right lobe (60%), left lobe (35.4%), and isthmus (4.6%). The mean diameter of the thyroid nodules was 26.12 ± 9.05mm (15-54mm). Most of the thyroid nodules were mixed (70.8%), while solid nodules accounted for 13.8% and cystic nodules for 15.4%. The mean thyroid nodule volume decreased significantly from a baseline of 5.20 ± 5.24ml (0.5 – 24.9ml) to 2.61ml at 1 month, 1.61ml at 3 months, and 1.37ml at 6 months (p <0.05). Recorded complications included 2 cases (3.3%) of subcutaneous hematoma at the intervention site and 3 cases (4.8%) of neck pain. No major complications were recorded

Conclusion: Microwave ablation for benign thyroid nodules is a minimally invasive and safe procedure, characterized by a low rate of minor complications and an absence of major complications. Clinical evidence demonstrates that MWA is a highly effective treatment, achieving a mean volume reduction rate (VRR) of 73.77% at the 6-month follow-up. Furthermore, the procedure significantly alleviates compressive symptoms and cosmetic concerns, which enhance quality of life for patients.

Keywords: microwave ablation (MWA); benign thyroid nodule