Radiofrequency Ablation of Solid Benign Thyroid Nodules

Symptomatic solid benign thyroid nodules may present either as nonfunctioning nodules causing compressive symptoms or as hyperfunctioning nodules causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. While surgical resection or radioiodine ablation of these nodules can be performed, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign solid thyroid nodules has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative in select patients. Preprocedural evaluation should include a history focusing on signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, a physical exam, thyroid ultrasound, thyroid function tests, and discussion of key intraprocedural details with the patient such as the anesthesia plan and risks. Thyroid RFA can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure with less than 2% major and minor complication rates. This report will focus on the basic technique of performing RFA for symptomatic thyroid nodules.