Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2015 Apr;58(4):261-266. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2015.58.4.261.

Feasibility of Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound-Guided Ethanol Ablation in Benign Cystic Thyroid Nodules: Preliminary Report

• Ahn D
• Kim H
• Lee JH
• Sohn JH

• KMID: 2277849
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2015.58.4.261

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (US-EA) performed by a head and neck surgeon in benign cystic thyroid nodules.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
This preliminary study enrolled five patients who underwent US-EA by a single head and neck surgeon for benign cystic thyroid nodules, which had been previously aspirated but recurred. Procedure time, success of targeting, volume reduction rate, satisfaction scores of the procedure, and complications were evaluated.
RESULTS
The initial mean volume of cystic nodules was 8.3 mL (2.0-18.9). After US-EA, it decreased to 1.2 mL (0.4-3.5 mL) with the mean volume reduction rate of 85.5% (56.2-88.5%). The mean procedure time of surgeon-performed US-EA was 5.6 min (range, 3.7-7.3 min). The procedure was successfully carried out in all patients, with the mean satisfaction score of 7.6 (6-9). There were no major complications but transient burning sensation was reported in one patient.
CONCLUSION
US-EA can be performed by head and neck surgeons safely with favorable therapeutic results. This may improve surgeon's treatment performance of benign cystic thyroid nodules and help achieve streamlined patient care without referring patients to other department.

Keyword

Cyst; Ethanol; Surgeon; Thyroid; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Burns
Ethanol*
Head
Humans
Neck
Patient Care
Sensation
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid Nodule*
Ultrasonography
Ethanol