Objective:

To explore the influencing factors of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules.

Methods:

The clinical data of patients with thyroid benign nodules treated with RFA from December 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. After 1

3

6 and 12 months of treatment

nodule volume and volume reduction rate (VRR) wer

e detected. The effects of different age

sex

initial nodule size (volume)

nodule composition

ablation time

power and powertime product on the curative effect were compared.

Results:

The total VRR of nodules at 1

3

6

and 12 months after RFA were (25.6532.75)%

(57.6620.88)%

(73.6419.92)%

and (82.2116.17)%

respectively (

P

＜0.001). The initial nodule volume was negatively correlated with VRR of 3

6 and 12 months after RFA (

P

＜0.001). The mean VRR of cystic and solid nodules were (84.4511.98)% and (90.86 10.07)%

which were higher than those of solid nodules at 6 months and 12 months after RFA (

P

＜0.001). The ablation time and the product of ablation power and time were significantly correlated with the VRR at 6 and 12 months after RFA (

P

=0.002 and

P

=0.02). There was no correlation between different age

gender and VRR (

P

＞0.05).

Conclusion:

Ultrasound-guided RFA of benign thyroid nodules is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment. Nodule size

solid components

ablation time and the product of ablation power and time are related to VRR after RFA.