Researchers at the Catholic University of Korea Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital have proved the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation procedure in treating thyroid nodules.

The radiology team, led by Professors Jung So-lyung and Choi Yang-sean, analyzed radiofrequency ablation's efficacy by comparing CT images before and after surgery. It compared 38 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation from November 2007 to December 2018 from four aspects -- the thyroid gland’s total volume, the narrowest airway area from a nodule, change of airway shape, and the front angle of the cervix. 

The team found that the thyroid gland’s overall volume decreased 44 percent, and the surface area of the airway got 28 percent wider. The percentage of patients’ airways that came back into place was 89.5 percent. 

The previous studies of treatment efficacy were limited due to subjective and qualitative evaluations by checking patients' symptom improvement and confirming the nodule size change. The recent study is significant because it evaluated radiofrequency ablation's efficacy in a more objective and quantitative approach, the hospital said. 

“We reaffirmed the very good results of radiofrequency ablation on thyroid nodule through the study. CT screening is a necessary process when treating thyroid nodules,” Professor Jung said. “We will continue study to raise treatment effects and lower radiation exposure.”

The study was published in the International Journal of Hyperthermia in June 2020.