Ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation combined with lauromacrogol sclerotherapy for mixed thyroid nodules

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation combined with lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of mixed thyroid nodules. Methods: One hundred and nineteen patients with benign mixed thyroid nodules were included in this study. In all patients, radiofrequency ablation was performed on the solid components of nodules, and the cystic areas of nodules were treated with aspiration, irrigation with lauromacrogol injection and foam sclerotherapy. The nodule volume reduction ratio and thyroid-related laboratory tests were measured during operation and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: A total of 136 mixed thyroid nodules from 119 patients all achieved complete ablation. At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, the nodule volume decreased gradually while the volume reduction ratio increased gradually (P<0.05). The thyroid function of all patients returned to normal after operation, but 3 patients exhibited cyst recurrence. After the operation, no serious complications occurred. Conclusion: Ultrasonography guided radiofrequency ablation combined with lauromacrogol sclerotherapy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of mixed thyroid nodules with less surgical trauma and low incidence of complications.