PERCUTANEOUS THERMAL ABLATION OF THYROID NODULES USING 12MIN SOPHROHYPNOSIS INDUCTION pierre-yves.marcy@imasudradiologie.fr

492-03

PERCUTANEOUS THERMAL ABLATION OF THYROID NODULES USING 12MIN SOPHROHYPNOSIS INDUCTION

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France

Oral only

Percutaneous microwave thermal ablation (MWA) has gained attention as a minimally invasive alternative technique (MIT) to surgery for benign selected thyroid nodules. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of MWA in a cohort of 100 patients with 12-month follow-up. Patient anxiety, pain perception, and procedural discomfort remain relevant challenges. All patients underwent a “Let It Go” protocol, integrating sophrology and guided hypnosis techniques to induce relaxation, enhance resilience, and improve tolerance of MIT.

100 patients (78 women, 22 men; mean age 46.7 years(range: 17-91y) presenting with symptomatic (mechanical compression > 4/10, and /or cosmetic score >3/4, autonomous) Bethesda B2 thyroid nodules underwent ultrasoundp-guided percutaneous MWA (SABERWAVE ECO-200G, China). All procedures were performed under local anesthesia using a standardized protocol and a 12min « let it go » sophro hypnotic induction. Nodule volume, symptom and cosmetic scores, thyroid function tests, and complications were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Procedure was performed by using real-time ultrasound guided MWA, exclusive trans isthmus approach, moving shot technique, and cooled continuous dextrose hydrodissection. Generator power input was <= 30Watts, antenna needle was 100mm length and 17G. Let-it-go technique included five items (classical music, softened light, modified respiration, calm soft regular voice, imaginative stimulation).

Technical feasibility was 100% even in short neck obese patients.Recovery time was 1-2days, complication rate was 3%, including a fugace Horner syndrome (<5min), transient hoarseness (< 20min), self limited minimal nodule rupture; there was no thyroid function test disturbance and TSH normalization in all autonomous nodules but one patient who was successfully retreated.

MWA outcomes—nodule volume reduction and preservation of thyroid function—remain uncompromised. Integrating the “Let It Go” sophrohypnosis protocol into thyroid MWA represents a promising patient-centered innovation. By addressing both physical and psychological dimensions of care, this approach may redefine procedural comfort, broaden acceptability of minimally invasive thyroid therapies, and support holistic well-being in endocrine practice. Larger controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings.