Aims
Thyroid nodule ablation (thermal and ethanol) is a level 1 evidence-based safe and efficacious Interventional Radiology (IR) treatment for benign thyroid nodules with local compressive symptoms, and has level 2 evidence for treatment of hyperfunctioning nodules, however, is relatively new to Australia. The aim of this study is to prospectively assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety profile of thyroid nodule ablation in the Australian public hospital setting.
Methods
All patients undergoing thyroid nodule ablation procedures at two major centres in Melbourne were prospectively consented and included into an ongoing registry after institutional ethical approval. Data collected included procedure indication, thyroid function tests, patient-reported quality-of-life symptom scores, and nodule volume, at baseline then 6 months following ablation treatment. Complications and their management were also recorded.
Results
A total of 34 patients who underwent thyroid nodule ablation were included (28 with locally compressive symptoms and 6 hyperfunctioning nodules). All patients with compressive symptoms had improvement on symptoms survey (median of 11 point improvement), with a mean of 82% volume reduction of treated nodules. All 6 patients with hyperfunctioning nodules had normalisation of their thyroid function tests, with all 4 patients taking carbimazole able to cease the medication. There was one notable complication of thyroid nodule rupture, which was treated with steroid taper.
Conclusion
Thyroid nodule ablation is a feasible, safe and effective Interventional Radiology (IR) treatment option for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in the Australian public healthcare setting.