Percutaneous laser ablation for benign thyroid nodules: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE To evaluate percutaneous laser ablation in treating benign thyroid nodules, we conducted a meta-analysis based on summarizing existing researches. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search for clinical trial was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Excerpt Medica Database. The qualities of included studies were evaluated. We calculated the indexes with mean difference. Heterogeneity and publication bias were tested and explored. We performed subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis further. RESULTS A total of 19 researches and 2137 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of nodule volume were statistically significant after percutaneous laser ablation for 1 month, 3 month, 6month, 12month, 24month and 36month(P < 0.05). The pooled estimate of thyroid-stimulating hormone was statistically significant after percutaneous laser ablation for 1 and 12 month (P = 0.008 and P = 0.03). The pooled estimate of free triiodothyronine was no statistically significant after percutaneous laser ablation for all follow-up intervals. The pooled estimate of free tetraiodothyronin was statistically significant after percutaneous laser ablation1 month (P = 0.004). The pooled estimate of thyroglobulin was statistically significant after percutaneous laser ablation 24 month (P = 0.04). The heterogeneity was found and the source of heterogeneity was explored in nodule volume for 6 and 12 month. No publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis demonstrated that percutaneous laser ablation was safe and useful in shrinking benign thyroid nodules volume, improving thyroid function, relieving symptoms of pressure and esthetic, especial for hyper-vascular benign thyroid nodules. Larger number of high-quality prospective studies still needs to be performed.