Public perceptions of radiofrequency ablation versus standard surgery for benign thyroid nodules

Authors

Andy S. Ding, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/andysding.
Deborah X. Xie, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/dxieMD.
Lisa Zhang, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Francis X. Creighton, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Jonathon O. Russell, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address: jrusse41@jh.edu.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation has shown promising results for nonsurgical treatment of benign thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study is to investigate public perceptions of radiofrequency ablation and identify salient decision factors for benign thyroid nodules treatment. METHODS: An internet-based survey was distributed via an online platform. Survey participants were prompted to envision having a benign thyroid nodules and were assessed on risk acceptance, willingness to pay, and importance of decision factors (eg, cost, risk, scarring) regarding treatment with either radiofrequency ablation or standard surgery. RESULTS: A total of 830 respondents (male 46.3%, median age 35 years) were included. Respondents ranked the most important factors for benign thyroid nodules treatment as risk of missing cancer and risk of permanent hoarseness (mean score 5.23 and 4.50 out of 7, respectively). Female respondents ranked missing cancer higher in importance compared with other decision factors (coefficient = 0.251, P = .0002). Younger respondents (coefficient = 0.009, P = .014) or those with higher education levels (coefficient = 0.092, P = .010) ranked having a scar as a more important decision factor. Prior scars were associated with choosing a nonsurgical procedure over surgery (coefficient = 0.478, P = .00), even if scars were well-healed (coefficient = 0.781, P < .0001). On average, respondents are willing to pay less for radiofrequency ablation than for standard surgery (radiofrequency ablation: $7,612.44 vs surgery: $8,298.50; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Respondents identified risk of missing cancer and risk of permanent hoarseness as the most important decision factors for benign thyroid nodules treatment. Education level and history of previous scars are both associated with a proclivity toward nonsurgical treatment and radiofrequency ablation.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Catheter Ablation (adverse effects, methods); Cicatrix (etiology); Female; Hoarseness (surgery); Humans; Male; Public Opinion; Radiofrequency Ablation (adverse effects, methods); Thyroid Nodule (surgery); Treatment Outcome

Publication Date

7-1-2022

Publication Title

Surgery

E-ISSN

1532-7361

Volume

172

Issue

1

First Page

110

Last Page

117

PubMed ID

35248364

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.surg.2022.01.031

Recommended Citation

Ding, Andy S.; Xie, Deborah X.; Zhang, Lisa; Creighton, Francis X.; and Russell, Jonathon O., "Public perceptions of radiofrequency ablation versus standard surgery for benign thyroid nodules" (2022). ENT and Skull Base Surgery. 41.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/ent-and-skull-base-surgery/41