Longer-term outcomes of radiofrequency ablation for locally recurrent papillary thyroid cancer

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longer-term efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating locally recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients who underwent RFA for 46 recurrent PTC between September 2008 and April 2012 and were subsequently followed up for at least 5 years. Follow-up included size change on US and thyroglobulin (Tg) level at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and every 6–12 months thereafter. Any complications were reported during follow-up. Results The mean follow-up duration after RFA was 80 ± 17.3 months (range, 60–114 months). Tumor volume decreased significantly, from 0.25 ± 0.42 mL before ablation to 0.01 ± 0.08 mL at the final evaluation ( p