Single-Fiber Laser Ablation in Treating Selected Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Benign Cold Thyroid Nodules—Preliminary Results

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of single-fiber laser ablation (LA) under ultrasound guidance and appropriate ablation modes in the treatment of selected metastatic lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign cold thyroid nodules. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A total of 18 patients (consisting of 8 patients with 18 metastatic lymph nodes of PTC and 10 patients with 10 benign cold thyroid nodules) each underwent one session of single-fiber LA under ultrasound guidance. On the basis of the sizes of the nodules, the ablation modes were chosen accordingly. The single-dot ablation mode was used in the nodules with three orthogonal diameters measuring no greater than 10 mm in diameter, with a dot, a level and an insertion. The double-dots overlapping ablation mode was used in the nodules with the largest diameters measuring greater than 10 mm (in which the nodules measured no more than 15 mm in diameter and with the other two perpendicular diameters measuring no greater than 10 mm in diameter) with two dots, a level and two insertions. The multiple levels and dots overlapping ablation mode was used in the nodules with the three orthogonal diameters all measuring larger than 10 mm, with multiple dots, levels and insertions. Results: After 12 months of follow-up in the treated nodules of the metastatic lymph nodes of PTC and benign cold thyroid nodules, the mean baseline volumes decreased from 0.29 ± 0.12 to 0.03 ± 0.03 ml and 3.85 ± 0.64 to 1.1 ± 0.37 ml, respectively, and the mean volume reduction ratios (VRRs), which was calculated as {[(initial volume−final volume) × 100%]/initial volume}, were 90.3 ± 7.6% and 72 ± 5.8%, respectively. There were six ablative zones that completely disappeared, whereas the ablative zones that still existed presented as scar-like areas or small hyperechoic areas that were compatible with scar tissue among the 18 malignant nodules at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Single-fiber LA under ultrasound guidance, with the appropriate ablation modes, is feasible and effective for the treatment of selected metastatic lymph nodes of PTC and benign cold thyroid nodules. This study suggests that single-fiber LA may be applied to selected cases with appropriate ablation modes. Lasers Surg. Med. 2019 © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.