Ultrasound-guided Thermal Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules

Ultrasound-guided Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Multicenter Study

To evaluate long-term outcomes of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules

To evaluate and predict long-term clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules by a multicenter study

Inclusion Criteria:

1. confirmation of benign nodule status on two separate fine- needle aspiration or core-needle biopsy
2. no suspicious malignant features on ultrasound examination
3. report of cosmetic and/ or symptomatic problems or concern of nodules growing rapidly or malignant transformation
4. refusal or ineligibility for surgery
5. follow-up time ≥12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. follicular neoplasm or malignancy findings on biopsy
2. nodules with benign result on biopsy had suspicious of malignancy in US
3. patients with contra-lateral vocal cord paralysis
4. previous radiation to the head and neck
5. follow- up time less than 12 months