Radiofrequency Ablation (RA) of Benign Thyroid Nodules
摘要
This chapter looks at several thermal ablation techniques for benign thyroid nodules, assesses advantages and disadvantages of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and highlights importance of protecting adjacent nervous structures such as recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN). In addition, important aspects of RFA ablation procedures such as hydrodissection, rescue techniques to avoid nerve damage, local anesthesia, and sedation are described. RFA guidelines and training, clinical settings, informed patient consent, and expected outcomes and benefits to patients who undergo RFA procedures on benign thyroid nodules are also outlined.