Ultrasound‐Guided Laser Ablation Versus Microwave Ablation for Patients With Unifocal Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Wei Zhou, Xiaofeng Ni, Shangyan Xu, Lu Zhang, Yudong Chen, Weiwei Zhan
Abstract
Background and Objectives The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and the safety of ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation (MWA) and laser ablation (LA) for the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Study Design/Materials and Methods A total of 67 patients with unifocal PTMC were studied retrospectively, including 33 cases who underwent MWA (MWA group) and 34 cases who received LA (LA group). The follow‐up consisted of thyroid function tests, ultrasonography, contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and chest X‐ray or computed tomography scan. The treatment response and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The follow‐up time for the MWA and LA group was 23.3 ± 4.4 and 22.8 ± 4.1 months, respectively. All the ablations were successfully performed as planned without complementary ablations, and it was confirmed by CEUS after treatment in both groups. It was observed that, at the last follow‐up, the mean largest diameter decreased from 5.0 ± 1.4 mm to 0.1 ± 0.4 mm (MWA group) and from 4.5 ± 1.6 mm to 0.6 ± 1.2 mm(LA group) ( P < 0.05 for both). The average volume reduced from 51.9 ± 40.8 to 0.2 ± 1.0 mm 3 (MWA group) and from 38.5 ± 43.0 to 1.3 ± 3.8 mm 3 (LA group) ( P < 0.05 for both). The complication rates did not differ between the MWA group (9.1%) and the LA group (2.9%) ( P > 0.05). No local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred in either group. Conclusions During the short‐term follow‐up period, ultrasound‐guided MWA and LA were both safe and effective methods in treating patients with unifocal PTMC. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.