Monopolar Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Austrian Single-Center Study

Background: Monopolar radiofrequency ablation is currently deemed an exotic treatment option for benign thyroid nodules in many central European countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the safety and efficacy of this method in a large patient cohort following its introduction in Austria. Methods: Peri- and post-interventional complications were analyzed for 277 patients. Efficacy was determined for 300 and 154 nodules at 3 and 12 months post treatment, respectively. All treatments were performed with an internally cooled 18G radiofrequency electrode using a free-hand, “moving-shot” technique following subcutaneous and local perithyroidal anesthesia. Results: Mean patient age (SD) was 52 ± 12.9 years (75% female), and overall mean baseline nodule volume (SD) was 13.8 ± 15.9 mL. Nodules were visible in 62.8% of patients, 40% had a symptom score ≥4 on a 10-point visual analogue scale, and 14.4% had hyperthyroidism. Mean overall nodule volume reduction rates (VRR) at 3 and 12 months were 68 ± 16% and 82 ± 13%, respectively (p 30 mL) or baseline nodule composition (solid, mixed, cystic) revealed significantly higher VRRs for smaller and cystic nodules. Moreover, nodule shrinkage was accompanied by significantly improved symptom and cosmetic scores after 3 and 12 months (p