ArticleEndocrine connections2022
Radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic, non-functioning, thyroid nodules: a single-center learning curve.
Article in Endocrine connections, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 22 citations in OpenAlex.
- A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Comparing The Prognoses Of Benign Thyroid Nodules Using Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Lobectomy.Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP · 2025Pooled it
- Comparing the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency vs. Microwave ablation for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules.Journal of endocrinological investigation · 2026Article
- Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules (RATED Study)-Analysis of a Learning Curve and Predictors of Success.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2025Observational
- Cost analysis and resource allocation in the management of benign thyroid nodules: a comparison of surgery and thermal ablation techniques.Journal of endocrinological investigation · 2025Article
- A novel hybrid deep learning approach combining deep feature attention and statistical validation for enhanced thyroid ultrasound segmentation.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Editorial: Recent advances in thermal and nonthermal ablative technologies of the thyroid.Frontiers in endocrinology · 2025Article
- Complications after thermal ablation for thyroid nodules across countries.Frontiers in endocrinology · 2025Article
- Adjustable-tip needles versus fixed-tip needles in radiofrequency ablation of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules: a single-center Italian experience.Journal of ultrasound · 2024Observational
- Radiofrequency ablation versus radioactive iodine: the race for the best cure.European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · 2024Article
- Proficiency in performing radiofrequency ablation procedure for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules: a qualitative rather than quantitative matter.Frontiers in endocrinology · 2024Article
- A novel guided approach to radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: the Toronto Sunnybrook experience.Frontiers in endocrinology · 2024Article
- Radiofrequency ablation for autonomously functioning nodules as treatment for hyperthyroidism: subgroup analysis of toxic adenoma and multinodular goitre and predictors for treatment success.European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · 2023Article
- General Principles for the Safe Performance, Training, and Adoption of Ablation Techniques for Benign Thyroid Nodules: An American Thyroid Association Statement.Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association · 2023Article
- Risk factors of recurrent thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation.African health sciences · 2023Article
- [Training of Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules in Korea: Current and Future Perspective].Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology · 2023Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Objective: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is increasingly considered the prime option for treating symptomatic, benign, non-functioning thyroid nodules (NFTN). However, little is known about the degree of operator experience required to achieve optimal results. This study describes the RFA learning curve of a single-center team. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of the first 103 patients receiving RFA treatment for a single, symptomatic, and benign NFTN, with a follow-up of at least 1 year. The primary outcome measure was technique efficacy, defined as the percentage of patients with a 6-month nodal volume reduction ratio (VRR) >50% after single-session RFA. Optimal treatment efficacy was defined as a 6-month VRR >50% achieved in at least 75% of patients. Secondary outcomes were complications of RFA and indications of secondary interventions. Results: Median nodal volume at baseline was 12.0 mL (range 2.0-58.0 mL). A 6-month VRR >50% was achieved in 45% of the first 20 patients, 75% of the next 20, and 79% of the following 63 patients. Complications included minor bleeding (N = 4), transient hyperthyroidism (N = 4), and transient loss of voice (N = 1). Poor volume reduction or nodular regrowth led to diagnostic lobectomy in 11 patients and a second RFA in 5. Lobectomy revealed a follicular carcinoma (T2N0M0) in 2 patients. In 1 patient, nodule regrowth was caused by an intranodular solitary B-cell lymphoma. Conclusion: About 40 procedures are required to achieve a 6-month VRR >50% in the majority of patients. Appropriate follow-up with re-evaluation is recommended for all patients with a VRR <50% and in those with regrowth to exclude underlying malignancy.
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