title: Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of benign thyroid nodules: systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarize the literature published to date on the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment, and to attempt an evaluation of factors that may influence treatment outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review with meta-analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic literature search was performed by two separate authors in four commonly used literature databases. Trials included in meta-analysis included only those presenting prospective data. Meta-analysis compared pretreatment values to post-treatment outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 46 full-text articles identified, nine articles satisfied inclusion criteria. Two of these articles were randomized controlled trials comparing RFA to placebo or to some other treatment. One article was a randomized controlled trial comparing one RFA treatment to two treatments. The remaining six articles were noncontrolled, prospective observational studies. All analyzed outcomes showed statistically significant improvements from baseline to final follow-up, including reduction in nodule size, improvement of symptom and cosmetic scores, and withdrawal from methimazole. Improvement in nodule size remained significant in both "hot" and "cold" nodule subgroups. Twelve adverse events were identified across all studies out of 306 total treatments. Two of these events qualified as significant adverse events. None of these events resulted in hospitalization or death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic thyroid nodules that are confirmed benign. However, the paucity of level 1 evidence comparing RFA to surgical or to other nonsurgical treatment modalities is concerning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Colin W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Fuller
authors.forename: Shaun A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Shivangi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lohia
authors.forename: M Boyd
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Gillespie
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation; D006801:Humans; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Radiofrequency catheter ablation; meta-analysis; systematic review; thyroid nodule