Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound Guided Microwave versus Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules

Background: to compare the two ablation techniques, we assessed 81 benign thyroid nodules of 38 cases who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 43 cases who underwent microwave ablation (MWA) over a 12-month period. The inclusion criteria involved benign thyroid nodules with compression symptoms or cosmetic problems, cytological confirmation of benignity with no atypical cells, and case refusal or unfit for operation. No predilection for the ultrasound nature of the nodules, whether they were cystic, solid, or complex, or their size or number. radiofrequency ablation was carried out utilizing the Mygen (M-3004) radiofrequency generator from radiofrequency Medical Co., Ltd., South Korea, and MWA (Microwave Ablation) was conducted utilizing the Canyon KY2000-A MCW generator from Canyon Medical Inc. The clinical problems and the nodules volume have been assessed both following and prior to the surgery. Factors and complications associated with Volume Reduction Rate (VRR) have been assessed. This investigation is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation guided by ultrasound (US) versus radiofrequency ablation in the management of benign thyroid nodules. Results Mean VRR(volume reduction rate) of MWA group versus the RFA group at one, three, six, and twelve months were 53.1% ± 11.2% vs. 45.8% ± 13.5% (P =0.009), 67.9% ± 11.5%vs. 61.8% ± 12.8% (P = 0.027), 77.5% ± 9.7%vs. 73.4% ± 11% (P = 0.084), and 85.4% ± 7.6% vs. 83.6% ± 6.4% (P-value = 0.252), respectively. A statistically significant variance has been discovered within the VRR among both the radiofrequency ablation group and the microwave ablation group in one and three month follow up. Additionally, all cases were able to maintain thyroid function, and both groups reported a significant reduction in symptom and cosmetic scores. Among the overall case population, one patient in the RF group had a minor burn that resolved after 1 month and transient voice changes occurred in one patient in each group that resolved after two weeks. Conclusions: Both radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are safe and efficient methods for managing BTNs. The MWA group showed greater volume reduction rates at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups.