Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Biopsy of First 1000 Consecutive Thyroid Nodules: Single-Surgeon Experience

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility, safety, and learning curve of ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (USGFNB) performed by a newly trained otolaryngologist in a community office in a setting. STUDY DESIGN: Collect USGFNB data of all thyroid nodules in a prospective manner. SETTING: A dedicated ultrasound clinic in a large community-based practice, operated by a single surgeon with the purpose of providing office-based point-of-care diagnostic ultrasonography and USGFNB. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data on the first 1000 unselected consecutive thyroid nodules that underwent USGFNB over a 3-year period were analyzed. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the statistical significance of characteristics of diagnostic vs nondiagnostic nodules. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine nodule characteristics predictive of adequate sampling. Diagnostic yield and time efficiency data were plotted over a 3-year period to study the learning curve for the USGFNB procedure performed by an operator with no previous experience. RESULTS: A total of 1000 nodules in 734 patients including 142 males and 592 females (age range, 17-87 years) were studied. Of the patients, 188 of 734 had more than 1 nodule biopsied, with a maximum of 4 nodules biopsied in 1 setting. The procedure was successfully completed in all patients, with no major complications. A steep learning curve was observed, and adequate samples were obtained in 91.9% of the patients on the first attempt. The cystic nature of the nodule was the biggest predictor of a nondiagnostic yield. CONCLUSIONS: Otolaryngologist-performed USGFNB of the thyroid is safe, effective, and desirable.