Safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in children

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in children. Methods A retrospective study of MWA for the treatment of 34 symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in 25 children was conducted. Volume reduction ratio (VRR), technique efficacy, symptom score, cosmetic score, and thyroid function were used to evaluate the efficacy of the technique. The associated complications and side effects were recorded. Results The participants were followed for at least 6 months (median 12 months, range 6–48 months). After MWA treatment, the volumes of the targeted nodules decreased gradually (median volume 5.86 mL before MWA and 0.34 mL at the final follow-up assessment), the VRR achieved was up to 85.03% at the final follow-up assessment, and the technical efficacy at this time was 91.2%. The subjective and objective nodule-related symptoms were also ameliorated. The circulating hormone concentrations reflecting thyroid function remained within their normal ranges in all the participants after one month of follow-up. The procedure had no major complications. Conclusions MWA seems to be an effective and safe technique for the treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in pediatric patients. Clinical relevance statement Microwave ablation is a safe and effective method to treat symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in pediatric patients. This treatment may be selected if the patient or parents are not suitable or refuse to undergo surgery. Key Points • Microwave ablation is effective in reducing the volume of benign thyroid nodules and ameliorating nodule-related symptoms in pediatric patients. • Microwave ablation is a safe method in children, with low complications. • Microwave ablation does not affect the circulating thyroid hormone concentrations of children.