The long-term effects of thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

作者：Zhao X, Xue J, Yu W, Dong R, Liu S, Wang P, Wang J, Guo F, Teng DK · 发表于：European radiology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1007/s00330-025-11543-y · 研究领域：Ablation Techniques、Radiofrequency Ablation、Thyroid Nodule、Humans、Laser Therapy、Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation has become an option for treating benign thyroid nodules. To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs), cases involving 3 years of follow-up were studied via a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Studies published up to January 2024 were searched in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases; these studies included 3 years of follow-up data on patients with BTNs who underwent thermal ablation therapy. The reduction in the mean nodule volume, volume reduction rate (VRR), rate of regrowth during follow-up, compression symptoms, postoperative cosmetic effects, and ablation complications during follow-up were analyzed over 3 years. In a subgroup analysis, laser ablation (LA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and microwave ablation (MWA) were compared. RESULTS: After 3 years of follow-up, the volumes of BTNs decreased significantly after thermal ablation (p < 0.00001). The VRR was 71.59%. The regrowth rate was 7.41%. The major complication rate was 1.96%. The symptom scores and cosmetic scores significantly decreased (p < 0.00001). According to our subgroup analysis, the combined VRR was 53.27% in the LA group, 79.51% in the RFA group and 89.68% in the MWA group. The regrowth rate in the MWA-treated patients was lower (1.96%) than that in the other groups. Although the rate of the major complication was slightly greater (1.96%), there were no statistically signi...