[Local ablative procedures for treatment of thyroid nodules]

Thyroid nodules are very frequent in the iodine deficiency regions of central Europe and some of the affected patients are referred for definitive treatment, such as surgery and radioiodine treatment. In recent years nonsurgical and non-radioiodine techniques have been introduced to treat thyroid gland pathologies. These techniques include the probe-based techniques of radiofrequency, microwave and laser application. The only noninvasive technique is high-intensity focused ultrasound. All mentioned techniques have the goal to reduce the volume of the thyroid nodule by application of energy/heat. The knowledge of all techniques and their advantages and risks is necessary to help physicians and patients in making decisions for the appropriate method of treatment of thyroid nodules.