Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation in treating symptomatic solid benign thyroid nodules: Our experience in 45 patients.

BACKGROUND Laser ablation may be useful in debulking of benign thyroid nodules. METHODS In order to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser ablation, 45 patients with benign solid thyroid nodules, with a fluid component ≤20%, were included in our series between October 2009 and January 2011. All reported pressure and/or cosmetic complaints. Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm was used, with a fix-power (3W), changing the application time. All patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months and any complications were recorded. RESULTS Mean nodule volume reduction decreased from 24.2 mL ± 19.4 to 4.5 ± 5.2 at 12 months (p < .001). Mean nodule volume reduction was 84% ± 13. Cosmetic signs were completely resolved in 87%, reduced in 9%, unchanged in 2%, and pressure symptoms were resolved in 88%. One patient experienced transient dysphonia. CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided laser ablation is an effective tool for treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in patients not eligible for surgery.