[Radiofrequency ablation of a symptomatic benign thyroid nodule]

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) enables the ablation of selected tissue by means of heat. For the first time in the Netherlands, RFA is being used to treat patients with benign thyroid nodules. RFA is able to reduce the volume of a nodule that may be causing cosmetic complaints or problems due to mass effect. This avoids the need for surgery or treatment with radioactive iodine in this benign condition. The average reduction in size is 80% in the first year, leading to a considerable decrease in both symptomatic and cosmetic complaints. At Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, this technique has been introduced in accordance with current guidelines, and it is expected that other centres of excellence will follow in implementing it. It is important that the initial experiences with this technique in the Netherlands in terms of effectiveness, risks and patient satisfaction should be monitored before RFA becomes routine treatment.