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RFA and benign thyroid nodules: Review of the current literature

Benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) are commonly found in the general population. They are usually asymptomatic and their incidence has increased as a result of wide‐spread use of ultrasound. Benign nodules are typically monitored clinically until they increase in size, resulting in compressive symptoms warranting surgery. However, although surgery is generally well‐tolerated and of low‐risk, it is associated with a small risk for several complications including hypothyroidism, nerve injury, hematoma, injury to other structures and wound infection. Recently, newer image‐guided ablation techniques including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been introduced. RFA has a similar safety profile when compared to surgery and has shown promising results in challenging surgical candidates. Though several studies have been published in Asian and European countries on the efficacy of RFA, limited data is available on the North American population. The aim of the study is to review the current literature establishing the clinical outcomes and safety of RFA for benign nodules.

Muhammad, H., Santhanam, P., Russell, J. O., & Kuo, J. H. (2021). RFA and benign thyroid nodules: Review of the current literature. Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, 6(1), 155–165. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.517

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In conclusion, RFA appears to be a safer alternative to surgery for benign thyroid nodules, especially in patients who are high risk surgical candidates. However, randomized trials with longer follow‐up of at least 5 years are needed in North American population, which will help to formulate a surveillance protocol.

benign thyroid nodule, ethanol ablation, laser ablation, levothyroxine, microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation

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