Efficiency of Radiofrequency Ablation in Treatment of Thyroid Nodules in Iraqi Patients with Nodular Goiter

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that decreases nodular size and is efficient for symptomatic benign nodules. It is safer, has no scars, has a quicker recovery time, and lacks the risk of permanent hypothyroidism compared to surgery. Objective: to present the effects of RFA in reducing the volume of thyroid nodules and improving patients’ symptoms. Methods: In a prospective study, twenty patients with symptomatic thyroid enlargement were evaluated in the Kahramana Medical Center of Interventional Radiology from January to December 2023, using the SURGNOVA system under local anesthesia after detailed neck ultrasonography using the Samsung HS50 machine. The patients were discharged after an hour of resting and applying an ice pack to their neck. Results: Of the twenty individuals included, the most common symptom overall was neck swelling in 60%, which was followed by positional cough in 8 cases (40%) and dysphagia in 4 cases (20%). The nodules ranged in size from 4.4 to 166 ml. Six months after the procedure, all patients' symptoms improved. The nodule volume reduction after six months' follow-up ranges from 50 to 88% of the initial volume, with 80% reporting >70% volume reduction following a single ablation session. There are no notable alterations in basal thyroid function. Conclusions: In comparison with surgery, thermal ablation for nodular goiter is a very effective and secure alternative. It is especially advantageous for patients who want to keep their thyroid gland and refuse surgery; it has few adverse effects and high technical success.