# General Principles for the Safe Performance, Training, and Adoption of Ablation Techniques for Benign Thyroid Nodules: An American Thyroid Association Statement

## TL;DR

This paper outlines safe practices and training guidelines for using ablation techniques to treat non-cancerous thyroid nodules.

## Contribution

It provides a consensus framework for safely adopting and performing ablation procedures for benign thyroid nodules.

## Key findings

- Ablation techniques offer a valid alternative to surgery for certain patients with benign thyroid nodules.
- Successful outcomes depend on careful patient selection, proper training, and thorough pre-procedural counseling.
- Ablation requires a unique skillset and environment to ensure safety and consistent results.

## Abstract

The primary goal of this interdisciplinary consensus statement is to provide a framework for the safe adoption and implementation of ablation technologies for benign thyroid nodules.

This consensus statement is organized around three key themes: (1) safety of ablation techniques and their implementation, (2) optimal skillset criteria for proceduralists performing ablative procedures, and (3) defining expectations of success for this treatment option given its unique risks and benefits. Ablation safety considerations in pre-procedural, peri-procedural, and post-procedural settings are discussed, including clinical factors related to patient selection and counseling, anesthetic and technical considerations to optimize patient safety, peri-procedural risk mitigation strategies, post-procedural complication management, and safe follow-up practices. Prior training, knowledge, and steps that should be considered by any physician who desires to incorporate thyroid nodule ablation into their practice are defined and discussed. Examples of successful clinical practice implementation models of this emerging technology are provided.

Thyroid ablative procedures provide valid alternative treatment strategies to conventional surgical management for a subset of patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Careful patient and nodule selection are critical to the success of these procedures as is extensive pre-procedural patient counseling. Although these emerging technologies hold great promise, they are not without risk and require the development of a unique skillset and environment for optimal, safe performance and consistent outcomes.