Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave versus radio frequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules

Abstract Background To compare the two ablation techniques, we assessed 81 benign thyroid nodules of 38 cases who underwent radio frequency ablation (RFA) and 43 cases who underwent microwave ablation (MWA) over a 12-month period. The inclusion criteria involved benign thyroid nodules with compression symptoms or cosmetic problems, cytological confirmation of benignity with no atypical cells, and case refusal or unfit for operation. No predilection for the ultrasound nature of the nodules, whether they were cystic, solid, or complex, or their size or number. Radio frequency ablation was carried out utilizing the Mygen (M-3004) radio frequency generator from RF Medical Co., Ltd., South Korea, and microwave ablation (MWA) was conducted utilizing the Canyon KY2000-A MCW generator from Canyon Medical Inc. The clinical problems and the nodules volume have been assessed both following and prior to the surgery. Factors and complications associated with volume reduction rate (VRR) have been assessed. This investigation is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation guided by ultrasound (US) versus radio frequency ablation in the management of benign thyroid nodules. Results Mean volume reduction rate (VRR) of MWA group versus the RFA group at one, three, six, and twelve months were 53.1% ± 11.2% versus 45.8% ± 13.5% ( P = 0.009), 67.9% ± 11.5% versus 61.8% ± 12.8% ( P = 0.027), 77.5% ± 9.7% versus 73.4% ± 11% ( P = 0.084), and 85.4% ± 7.6% versus 83.6% ± 6.4% ( P -value = 0.252), respectively. A statistically significant variance has been discovered within the VRR among both the radio frequency ablation group and the microwave ablation group in one- and three-month follow-up. Additionally, all cases were able to maintain thyroid function, and both groups reported a significant reduction in symptom and cosmetic scores. Among the overall case population, one patient in the RF group had a minor burn that resolved after 1 month, and transient voice changes occurred in one patient in each group that resolved after two weeks. Conclusions Both radio frequency ablation and microwave ablation are safe and efficient methods for managing BTNs. The MWA group showed greater volume reduction rates at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups.