title: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation in treating symptomatic solid benign thyroid nodules: Our experience in 45 patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser ablation may be useful in debulking of benign thyroid nodules.
  
  
  METHODS
  In order to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser ablation, 45 patients with benign solid thyroid nodules, with a fluid component ≤20%, were included in our series between October 2009 and January 2011. All reported pressure and/or cosmetic complaints. Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm was used, with a fix-power (3W), changing the application time. All patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months and any complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean nodule volume reduction decreased from 24.2 mL ± 19.4 to 4.5 ± 5.2 at 12 months (p < .001). Mean nodule volume reduction was 84% ± 13. Cosmetic signs were completely resolved in 87%, reduced in 9%, unchanged in 2%, and pressure symptoms were resolved in 88%. One patient experienced transient dysphonia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound-guided laser ablation is an effective tool for treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in patients not eligible for surgery.
authors.affiliation: Cervico-Facial Ultrasound Diagnostic and Interventional Unit, Institute of Oncology, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Achille
authors.affiliation: Ear, Nose, and Throat Unit (ENTU), Institute of Oncology, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zizzi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Di Stasio
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grammatica
authors.affiliation: Ear, Nose, and Throat Unit (ENTU), Institute of Oncology, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grammatica
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cosmetic issues; laser ablation; pressure symptoms; thyroid benign nodules; ultrasound-guided interventional procedures