Comparison of microwave ablation methods in parathyroid adenomas

Comparison of Microwave Ablation Methods in Parathyroid Adenomas AIM: Parathyroid adenomas are benign tumors causing excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH) production. They typically present with hypercalcemia symptoms, fatigue, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and mental changes. The risk of parathyroid adenomas increases with age and is more common in women. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of cooled and uncooled microwave ablation (MWA) methods in treating parathyroid adenomas. METHOD: From January 2023 to January 2024, 40 patients diagnosed with parathyroid adenoma and treated with ultrasound-guided MWA in our clinic were examined. The patients were divided into two groups: cooled MWA (19 patients) and uncooled MWA (21 patients). Serum PTH, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured and compared six times at specified intervals before and after the procedure. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 28.0, with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the 40 patients was 54.4 ± 14.6 years, and 67.5% were women. The average nodule volume was 0.73 ± 0.53 ml. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in serum PTH and Ca levels between baseline and follow-up measurements between the cooled and uncooled MWA groups. Both groups showed a decrease in PTH and Ca levels over time, but the differences between the two methods were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate no significant difference in the effectiveness of cooled and uncooled MWA methods regarding serum PTH and Ca levels in treating parathyroid adenomas. Both methods are safe and effective, providing similar results. Therefore, patient preferences, specific clinical conditions, and available resources can be considered when choosing between cooled and uncooled MWA methods. Keywords: Parathyroid adenoma, microwave ablation, cooled ablation, uncooled ablation, parathormone.