Surgeon-Performed Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign and Malignant Thyroid Tumors

Author: Dongbin AHN ¹ ; Hyowon AHN ; Soobi HAM
Author Information

1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
Publication Type:Review
From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2025;68(4):145-151
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:Korean
Abstract: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained recognition as a highly effective and safe minimally invasive alternative treatment for well-selected patients with benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancer. Despite the well-known efficacy of RFA, head and neck surgeons have had minimal involvement in both establishing clinical evidence and developing most RFA guidelines. This is partly due to the challenges surgeons face in understanding and applying these imaging-guided interventions. However, head and neck surgeons possess extensive knowledge of surgical anatomy and have significant clinical experience with the anatomical relationships of surrounding structures, which could enhance the safety and effectiveness of RFA. Their expertise allows for better management of rare but serious complications such as bleeding, airway compression, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, and tumor rupture. Drawing from my experience as a head and neck surgeon with RFA, this article aims to elucidate the principles, indications, preparation, and procedure of RFA for benign and malignant thyroid tumors.