Efficacy Assessment of Ultrasound Guided Lauromacrogol Injection for Ablation of Benign Cystic and Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodules

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy and safeness of ultrasound guided lauromacrogol injection for ablation of benign cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. METHODS: From July 2016 to July 2018, 102 patients with 107 nodules were treated with ultrasound guided lauromacrogol injections for ablation and 43 nodules completed at least 12 months follow-up. Nodules sonographic characteristics, volume changes before and after USG-LIA, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean nodule volume decreased from 17.27 ± 20.51 ml to 5.35 ± 14.68ml (P < 0.05), and the overall resolution rate (volume reduction rate > 50%) was 91.67% in purely cysts and 75.90% in predominantly cystic nodules at the last follow-up. Within 6 months after treatment, the volume of the target nodule at each follow-up was smaller than the previous one (P < 0.001 for all). However, there was no significant difference of volume change between the 6th month and the 12th month. No severe complications occurred in this study. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guided lauromacrogol injection for ablation is an effective and safe treatment modality in both purely cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.