Background Comparative studies on the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of cervical lymph nodes metastatic (CLNM) in the lateral and central regions of patients after thyroid cancer surgery are rare.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and complications of RFA in treating CLNM in the lateral and central cervical region after total thyroidectomy.
Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with CLNM in the lateral and central cervical region after total thyroidectomy treated with RFA in the Ultrasound Diagnostic Department of the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021. The volume of CLNM before and after ablation, the volume reduction rate (VRR) after ablation, and the incidence of complications during ablation and follow-up were compared between the two groups.
Results A total of 52 patients with average age of (40.73 ± 11.35) years old (14 males) with 96 CLNM were included in the study, including 38 patients (74 CLNM) in the lateral and 14 patients (22 CLNM) in the central. At 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after ablation, the volume of CLNM in the lateral and the central gradually decreased and VRR gradually increased. CLNM disappeared completely within 2 years of follow-up, and there were no statistical differences in the volume and VRR of CLNM at each follow-up time points between the two groups. There were only 6 patients with minor adverse reactions (neck pain) during ablation, 2 in the lateral group and 4 in the central group. No other minor adverse reactions or major complications occurred. During follow-up, 8 patients (15.4%) developed new recurrent lesions outside the ablation area (3 in the lateral area, 5 in the central area), and all of them successfully completed the second RFA.
Conclusion RFA has shown efficacy and safety for CLNM in the lateral and central cervical regions after total thyroidectomy.
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