Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of benign thyroid nodules: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Thyroid nodules (TNs) usually appearing in the general population have the potential possibility of malignant transformation and common problems of jugular oppression such as dyspnea and hoarseness. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficiency of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of benign TNs in accord with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statements.

Methods

Published literatures were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus up to January 27, 2016. Pooled standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval was estimated by fixed- or random-effects model depending on heterogeneity, which was calculated using the Cochran Q, τ, and I statistics. The quality of the articles was eval

SUBMITTER: Chen F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5400335 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature