Laser and radiofrequency ablation procedures

Abstract

The term interventional thyroidology refers to minimally invasive ultrasound-guided techniques to treat diseases of the endocrine neck, i.e., diseases of thyroid and parathyroid glands. Laser ablation (LA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are two of these procedures used to destroy thyroid nodules and tumors using hyperthermia without surgical removal. Indications of LA and RFA technique for the treatment of endocrine neck diseases include symptomatic benign cold thyroid nodules, symptomatic thyroid cysts, autonomously functioning thyroid nodules, and recurrent thyroid cancer. Both thermal techniques have also been used for the treatment of parathyroid adenomas, but with several drawbacks and are no longer recommended. The advantages of in situ tumor ablation are reduced costs, the possibility of performing procedures on outpatients, the possibility of treating patients who are poor candidates for surgery due to age or comorbidity, and the possibility of treating patients who refuse surgery. LA and RFA are performed by endocrinologists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons.