Learning Curve of Thyroid Ablative Procedures
摘要
The existence of a learning curve of thyroid RFA has been demonstrated. This chapter describes the scientific evidence both for thyroidal and non-thyroidal RFA procedures and also for thyroidal procedures other than RFA. Criteria used for self-assessment, regarding efficacy and safety, such as clinical symptoms, volume reduction and ablation ratios, are detailed. There is an agreement on the existence of three phases for the learning curve: initial learning phase (cases 1–20), technical consolidation phase (cases 21–65), and proficiency phase (cases 66–102). However and fortunately, these phases can be shortened by various means. Prior knowledge, training, the use of phantoms and mentoring are key points. Establishing a care course and carefully choosing the nodules which will be treated during the initial phase (small to medium size) is also critical.