A propensity-matched analysis of clinical outcomes between open thyroid lobectomy and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of benign thyroid nodules

High-intensity focused ultrasound is a promising, nonoperative treatment for benign thyroid nodules. Our study aimed to compare treatment outcomes of single-session high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation with open lobectomy after propensity score matching. After propensity matching, we compared treatment-related morbidity, treatment time, duration of hospitalization, improvement in symptom score, cost, and acoustic parameters of consecutive patients who underwent high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation or lobectomy. All eligible patients completed the computerized, multidimensional voice program and Voice Handicap Index questionnaire before, and 3 and 6 months after treatment. The matched cohort comprised 154 patients (77 in each group). Although treatment-related morbidity was comparable between the two groups (P = .368), treatment time (P