Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of ethanol ablation (EA) for benign non-functioning thyroid nodules over a 5-year follow-up.
Materials and Methods: We evaluated 100 benign non-functioning thyroid nodules of 98 patients (85 females, 13 males; mean age, 47.22±11.40 years) treated with EA and followed up more than 5 years. EA was performed using 18-gauge needle with 99% ethanol. Nodule volume and cosmetic and symptom scores were evaluated before treatment and during follow-up. Complications and factors related to efficacy were evaluated.
Results: The mean follow-up duration was 73.62±15.38 months. At last follow-up, the longest nodule diameter and the nodule volume significantly decreased (3.1±1.22 cm vs. 0.61±0.78 cm and 11.80±21.51 mL vs. 0.44±1.33 mL, respectively; p<0.05); a mean volume reduction of 96.19±8.35 %. Both cosmetic and compressive symptoms significantly improved (3.71±0.46 vs. 1.17±0.40 and 2.85±1.34 vs. 0.01±0.10, respectively; p<0.05). Mean number of EA sessions was 1.07±0.29. 41 nodules (41.0%; 41/100) were completely disappeared on ultrasonography at mean 33.43±12.40 months after EA. The overall recurrence rate was 16.00 % (16/100). Mean time of recurrence was 57.13±25.00 months. Additional radiofrequency ablation due to incompletely resolved clinical problems after EA was performed for 12 nodules (12.0%; 12/100). The overall complication rate was 0.02 % (2/105).
Conclusions: EA was effective and safe in shrinking benign thyroid nodules and in controlling nodule-related problems over a 5-year follow-up. But, it is important to check recurrence during follow up periods and the additional treatment should be done at an appropriate time.