Analysis of the efficacy and prognosis of radiofrequency ablation for low-risk thyroid micro-papillary carcinoma of dif-ferent specifications

CHENG Lin; LIU Zhenhua; ZHANG Zihong

doi:10.20258/j.cnki.1006-9011.2025.11.007

Abstract：Objective To investigate the impact of different ablation ranges caused by various specifications of radiofre-quency ablation electrode needles on the prognosis of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(LR-PTMC),and to assess the feasibility of conformal ablation therapy.Methods 159 T1aN0M0 nodules diagnosed as LR-PTMC by fine needle aspiration(FNAB)of thyroid gland with maximum diameter≤5 mm were selected for ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation.Patients were divided into 7 needle group(87 cases)and 10 needle group(72 cases)according to the type of 18G radiofrequency abla-tion electrode needle with a length of 7 mm or 10 mm.The volume reduction rate(VRR),thyroid gland function indexes includ-ing serum free triiodothyronine(FT3),free thyroxine(FT4)and thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),postoperative complica-tions and recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.Results All patients successfully completed radiofrequency ablation and were followed for≥12 months.The two groups of postoperative 3 and 12 months of ablation foci were compared with postoperative i mmediate VRR,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Compared with the postoperative 6-month postoperative ablation foci compared with postoperative i mmediate VRR,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The rate of ablation lesion disappearance in the two groups was 58.6%and 45.8%,respectively(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in thyroid gland function between the two groups at 3,6 and 12 months after operation(P>0.05).There was 1 case of temporary hoarseness in the 10-needle group,and there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications and recurrence(P>0.05).Conclusion For ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of thyroid gland for LR-PTMC with maximum diameter≤5 mm,the use of 7 mm or 10 mm bare end ablation electrode needle can achieve the purpose of treatment,clinical practice can choose conformal ablation therapy.