Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life After Surgery and Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules

What this Trial Is About

Benign multinodular goiter (MNG) is an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules, often due to iodine deficiency, and is the most common endocrine disorder worldwide. Significant nodule growth can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, or pressure on neck vessels. While surgery has been the usual treatment to relieve these symptoms and manage hormone levels, it carries some risks such as nerve injury and hypothyroidism. Recently, thermoablative methods like monopolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have emerged as alternative treatments to shrink nodules and improve symptoms. This study compares clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients treated for symptomatic benign multinodular goiter using either surgical removal of thyroid nodules (thyroidectomy) or radiofrequency ablation. RFA uses an FDA-cleared device to heat and destroy nodule tissue under ultrasound guidance. Both treatments aim to reduce nodule size and symptoms. The study collects data from patients before and after their treatments to evaluate effects over time. Participants provide medical information from before and after treatment, including assessments at 6 and 12 months to measure changes in nodule volume, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and quality of life using the ThyPRO 39 survey. Researchers monitor these outcomes to understand how each treatment impacts thyroid nodules and patient well-being over time. The study focuses on adults aged 18 and older with benign thyroid nodules.

RFA of Benign Thyroid Nodules: Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life Study