The Use of Directed Ablative Techniques for Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules: A Statement From the North American Society for Interventional Thyroidology.

The use of percutaneous ablative techniques as an alternative therapy in the treatment of thyroid nodules continues to expand. The purpose of this statement by the North American Society for Interventional Thyroidology (NASIT) is to provide a comprehensive summary of the consensus recommendations for thermal ablation for autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs). A selected group of experts on the use of ablative therapies to treat AFTNs was assembled and approved by NASIT's executive council. Contributing authors collected available evidence and best practices for the treatment of AFTNs using ablation, which were compiled and reviewed by the AFTN statement writing group. This NASIT statement for ablation of AFTNs summarizes the current evidence to provide clinical guidance regarding the appropriate workup and preprocedure testing for AFTNs, preprocedural considerations regarding ideal patient and nodule selection, proper patient counseling on expected outcomes and potential complications, ablation techniques to increase the likelihood of achieving a euthyroid state with adequate volume reduction, and appropriate follow-up. This statement summarizes current evidence to guide clinical decision-making regarding the role of thermal ablation in the treatment of AFTNs. Ultimately, thermal ablation may serve as a safe and effective therapy for AFTNs among appropriately selected patients.