الفهرس 
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Abstract
Background: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been gaining popularity as a minimally invasive treatment for benign thyroid nodules. RF ablation can be used to treat both benign thyroid nodules and inoperable, recurrent thyroid cancers located in the surgical bed as well as lymph nodes. Indications for RF ablation of benign thyroid nodules are nodule-related clinical problems. Aim of the work: To assess the role of radiofrequency ablation as an alternative tool in management of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Methods: We assessed non-functioning benign thyroid nodules in 10 patients, after treatment by radiofrequency (RF) ablation and follow-up for 6 months. RF ablation was done by Cool-Tip RF system and cooled internal electrode. Nodule volume, cosmetic and symptom scores were calculated earlier prior to treatment and throughout the follow-up. We assessed all efficacy related factors and reported complications. Results: There was statistically significant difference between volume of nodules before the procedure with mean volume was 22.20 ± 4.61 and 1 month after with mean volume 12.38 ± 2.91with mean reduction ratio of 44.27 ± 5.77% and 3 months after the procedure with mean volume 8.08 ± 2.92 with mean reduction ratio of 65.14 ± 8.92%, also 6 months after procedure with mean volume 6.90 ± 2.78 with mean reduction ratio of 71.10 ± 7.71 %. RF ablation resulted in a significant improvement in the symptoms of patients complaining of compressive and cosmetic problems, The median of the compressive symptoms scoring was significantly decreased; it was 4 (IQR 3–5) at 1 month, 2 (IQR 1–3) at 3 months, and 0 (IQR 0–1) at 6 months compared to 8 (IQR 6–9) before RF ablation, P value <0.001. The median of the cosmetic problem scoring was 2 (IQR 1.5–2) at 1 month, 1 (IQR 1–2) at 3 months, and 1 (IQR 1–1) at 6 months compared to 4 (IQR 3–4) before treatment P value <0.001. Conclusion: Patients with non-functioning benign thyroid nodules can be treated by RF ablation as a minimally invasive treatment.