Thermal ablation (TA) is a therapeutic option for benign, non-functioning thyroid nodules causing symptoms of compression and/or aesthetic concerns. TA was initially introduced as a treatment for patients who refused or were ineligible for surgery. In more recent years, the increase in the positive experiences of TA have paved the way for the idea that TA could be suggested as a first-line treatment. The present review was conceived to summarize the evidence achieved in this field, and to offer a clinical perspective on TA, with particular reference to the comparison between TA and surgery. We searched literature that was focused on two types of TA, laser (LA) and radiofrequency (RFA). The searched literature included short- mid-term prospective and retrospective studies, randomized trials, and meta-analyses that demonstrated a satisfactory volume reduction ratio (VRR), and benefits in cosmetic and symptoms scores. An important drawback of the use of TA, is the regrowth of a certain number of nodules, which necessitate further TA procedures or surgery. Long-term randomized controlled trials to evaluate the cost/effectiveness of TA vs surgery are not currently available. The selection of the nodule, the optimization of interventional techniques, and ultimately, a well-timed second treatment, are all factors that should be considered in a proactive strategy to prevent TA failure.

热消融（TA）是良性，无功能的甲状腺结节的一种治疗方法，可引起压迫症状和/或美观问题。最初将TA用作拒绝或不适合手术的患者的治疗方法。近年来，TA积极经验的增加为将TA推荐为一线治疗的想法铺平了道路。本综述旨在总结该领域取得的证据，并提供有关TA的临床观点，尤其是对TA与手术的比较。我们搜索的文献集中在两种类型的TA，即激光（LA）和射频（RFA）。检索的文献包括短期前瞻性和回顾性研究，随机试验，以及荟萃分析显示出令人满意的体积减少率（VRR），并在美容和症状评分方面受益。使用TA的一个重要缺点是一定数量结节的再生，这需要进一步的TA程序或手术。目前尚无法评估TA与手术的成本/效果的长期随机对照试验。结节的选择，介入技术的优化以及最终适时的第二次治疗，都是预防TA失败的积极策略中应考虑的所有因素。目前尚无法评估TA与手术的成本/效果的长期随机对照试验。结节的选择，介入技术的优化以及最终适时的第二次治疗，都是预防TA失败的积极策略中应考虑的所有因素。目前尚无法评估TA与手术的成本/效果的长期随机对照试验。结节的选择，介入技术的优化以及最终适时的第二次治疗，都是预防TA失败的积极策略中应考虑的所有因素。