[Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules : an alternative to surgery or first-line treatment ?]

Thyroid nodules are a very common problem whose prevalence increases with age. When treatment is considered, surgical excision is traditionally the first choice, except in the case of hyperfunctioning nodules, where treatment with radioactive iodine plays a major role. In recent years, there has been increasing experience in the thermal ablation of thyroid nodules by radiofrequency, with very encouraging results. This article aims to discuss the role of radiofrequency thermal ablation in the management of benign thyroid nodules by reviewing the indications, adverse effects and limitations of this method.