Long-term clinical outcomes of thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules and unresolved issues: a comprehensive systematic review

Thermal ablation is widely accepted as an effective and safe method for treating benign thyroid nodules. Many studies reporting short-term results have consistently demonstrated the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation. However, as the clinical application of thermal ablation grows and follow-up periods extend, long-term clinical outcomes of thermal ablation have revealed several issues, including regrowth and diagnosis of malignancy in ablated lesions. In this systematic review, we analyze the long-term clinical outcomes of thyroid thermal ablation, focusing on regrowth, delayed surgery, and the potential for malignancy after thermal ablation and propose solutions to address these unresolved issues and enhance the management of benign thyroid nodules through thermal ablation.