Feasibility of bipolar radiofrequency ablation in patients with parathyroid adenoma: a first evaluation

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to first assess the feasibility of bipolar radiofrequency ablation in patients with parathyroid adenoma.

Material and methods: Bipolar RFA was performed in 9 patients with primary parathyroid adenoma in one single session. Measured parameters were PTH and calcium serum levels prior to and after bRFA. Furthermore, using an NRS pain scale (1–10), the individual, subjective maximum sensation of pain was documented.

Results: The bRFA resulted in a highly significant (p = .003906) decrease of serum PTH levels (median 67 ng/l) in comparison to those prior to the intervention (median 199 ng/l). Regarding calcium levels, there was no statistical significance (p = .460938), with a decrease of median serum levels comparing pre- and post-bRFA values from 2.82 mmol/l to 2.66 mmol/l. The evaluation of the individual pain sensation during the procedure was assessed by the patients with a median of 5/10 on the NRS scale. In none of the 9 cases complications such as infections, persisting pain or nerve injury occurred.

Conclusion: For the first time, it was possible to depict the successful therapy of parathyroid adenoma by means of bRFA. This work thus proves bRFA to be an effective, safe, applicable and, concerning sensation of pain, very well tolerable thermoablative technique in the treatment of parathyroid adenoma.

Keywords:

• Thermal ablation
• bipolar radiofrequency ablation
• parathyroid adenoma
• PTH
• calcium

Ethical approval

All authors adhere to follow the standard ethical principles.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.