Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Laser Ablation For Recurrent Nodular Goiter: A Preliminary Study

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of modified ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation (UPLA) for recurrent nodular goiter (RNG). Methods: Twenty-one patients with single RNG were treated with modified ultrasound- guided PLA. After treatment, the size of the RNG in conventional ultrasonography, the ablation extent of lesions in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and the related complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: All patients completed the treatment successfully. During the follow-up, the ablation extent was none perfusion after 24 hours. The volume of the nodules was 5.19 +/- 1.04 ml, 4.49 +/- 0.9 ml, 3.53 +/- 0.71 ml at month 1, month 3 and month 6 post-operation respectively, which reduced gradually after treatment (all P<0.05). The reduction rate of the nodules was 28.13 +/- 0.78%, 37.76 +/- 0.41% and 51.36 +/- 0.46%, which gradually increased compared between groups (all P<0.05). There was no obvious complication during and after the operation. The thyroid function showed no significant changes after the treatment (P>0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided PLA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment of RGN.