Radiofrequency ablation and related ultrasound‐guided ablation technologies for treatment of benign and malignant thyroid disease: An international multidisciplinary consensus statement of the American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section with the Asia Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery, Associazione Medici Endocrinologi, British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons, European Thyroid Association, Italian Society of Endocrine Surgery Units, Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology,

Abstract

Background The use of ultrasound‐guided ablation procedures to treat both benign and malignant thyroid conditions is gaining increasing interest. This document has been developed as an international interdisciplinary evidence‐based statement with a primary focus on radiofrequency ablation and is intended to serve as a manual for best practice application of ablation technologies. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted to guide statement development and generation of best practice recommendations. Modified Delphi method was applied to assess whether statements met consensus among the entire author panel. Results A review of the current state of ultrasound‐guided ablation procedures for the treatment of benign and malignant thyroid conditions is presented. Eighteen best practice recommendations in topic areas of preprocedural evaluation, technique, postprocedural management, efficacy, potential complications, and implementation are provided. Conclusions As ultrasound‐guided ablation procedures are increasingly utilized in benign and malignant thyroid disease, evidence‐based and thoughtful application of best practices is warranted.

Bibliometric insights in advances of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Research situation, hot points, and global trends

“…Non-pathological high-risk subtypes, tumor diameter ≤5 mm, no lymph nodes or distant transfer of evidence, and so on are examples of nine items that must be met simultaneously ( 62 ). The 2021 European Thyroid Association practice guidelines and the 2021 international multidisciplinary consensus statement suggest that TA should be considered for PTMC patients who are at risk of surgery, have a short life expectancy, have other medical conditions, are unwilling to have surgery, or want to stop AS ( 63 , 64 ). The international mainstream association guidelines and statements still consider surgery the first choice for PTMC patients.…”

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) compared to observation for benign thyroid nodules: emerging considerations for judicious use

“…Success rates using RFA were initially reported to range from 24–72% [33 ▪ ,34,35] inferior to radioactive iodine (RAI) surgery. Given that success in achieving euthyroidism is associated with >80% volume reduction, it has been recommended that RFA for such functional nodules is best suited for patients with small (≤3 cm) nodules [12 ▪▪ ].…”

Improving Voice Outcomes after Thyroid Surgery and Ultrasound-Guided Ablation Procedures

“…The true rate of RLN injury post thermal ablation is not known since studies examining pre- and post-procedure laryngoscopy are lacking. However, the overall rate of transient or permanent voice change following RFA is 1.44% based on subjective voice assessment ( 11 , 51 ).…”