Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation: Results

Results at Cochin
Thyroid radiofrequency has been performed at Cochin AP-HP for several years. On average, a 50 to 80% reduction in nodule volume is achieved within 12 months of treatment, with significant improvement in compression symptoms (discomfort, dysphagia) and excellent tolerance.

Criterion	At 6 months	At 12 months	At 24 months
Mean volume reduction	40-60%	50-80%	60-90%
Improvement in compression symptoms	70-80%	80-90%	85-90%
Improvement in cosmetic appearance	65-80%	75-90%	80-90%
Recurrence requiring retreatment	< 5%	5-8%	8-12%
Preserved euthyroidism	> 95%	> 95%	> 95%

D0: outpatient radiofrequency

Treatment under local anaesthesia. Duration 30-60 min. Discharge 2-4 h afterwards. Moderate neck discomfort possible for 2-5 days.

M1: follow-up ultrasound

First assessment of necrosis. Modest volume reduction at this stage (20-30%).

M3-M6: ultrasound

Significant volume reduction expected (40-60%). Symptom assessment.

M12: annual ultrasound

Definitive reduction (50-80%). Decision on retreatment if necessary.

Quick answer

Thyroid radiofrequency is effective even for large nodules (over 30 mL), thanks to a multiple-pass technique (moving-shot technique). Volume reduction may require two sessions for the largest nodules.

Frequently asked questions

Is thyroid radiofrequency effective for large nodules?

Yes. Large nodules (> 30 mL) benefit from a multiple-pass treatment technique (moving-shot technique). Volume reduction may require 2 sessions for very large nodules.

Does the thyroid keep working after radiofrequency?

Yes. Radiofrequency specifically targets the nodule while preserving the adjacent healthy thyroid tissue. Thyroid function (TSH) remains normal in more than 95% of cases.

Can radiofrequency be used after thyroid surgery?

Yes. Radiofrequency can treat a residual or recurrent nodule after hemithyroidectomy, in the remaining thyroid lobe.

Does radiofrequency prevent surgery if it becomes necessary?

No. Radiofrequency does not contraindicate later thyroid surgery should it prove necessary.

Learn more

Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules at Cochin

Technique, course of treatment and follow-up of thyroid radiofrequency.

See the full page

On the same topic

Scientific references

Indications et contre-indications de la thermoablation des nodules thyroïdiens bénins (Indications and contraindications of thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules)

Muller A, Villard N, Papadopoulos P, on behalf of the thyroid and ultrasound working group of the CERF, the SFR and the CIREOL (including Dohan A). J Imagerie Diagn Interv 2026. French national consensus.

2020 European Thyroid Association clinical practice guideline for the use of image-guided ablation in benign thyroid nodules

Papini E, Monpeyssen H, Frasoldati A, Hegedüs L. Eur Thyroid J 2020;9:172-185.

2017 Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Guideline: Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology

Kim JH, Baek JH, Lim HK, et al. Korean J Radiol 2018;19(4):632-655.

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: July 2026.

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Thyroid radiofrequency ablation: results and follow-up at Cochin AP-HP