Long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided low power microwave ablation for the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a 3-year follow-up study

摘要

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided low-power microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with a 3-year follow-up. Methods A total of 21 nodules diagnosed as PTMC from the 15 patients were performed with MWA at a power of 20?W. The images of the nodules were recorded by ultrasound before MWA and 1, 3, 6, 12?months after MWA, and every 6?months thereafter, respectively. The volumes of the nodules were compared before MWA and at each follow-up point after MWA. The volume reduction rate (VRR) of nodules was also calculated. Results The mean volume of the nodules was 134.3?±?129.8 mm_(3)initially (the range was 7.4–423.8 mm_(3)), which decreased significantly to 2.3?±?10.5 mm_(3)(the range was 0–48.1 mm_(3)) of the ablation area ( P ?=?0.000) at the follow-up point of 36?months with a mean VRR as 98.78?±?5.61% (the range was 74.28–100%). During the follow-up period (the range was 36–48 months), 20 of the 21 nodules were completely absorbed and no recurrent nodule was found. Conclusions After a long-term follow-up of 3?years, the low power MWA showed a good safety and efficacy for the treatment of PTMC. In addition to surgery and active surveillance, MWA might be another alternative for patients with PTMC.