ObjectiveTo investigate the research progress of residual nodules after thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules.MethodsThe domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus on the treatment of benign thyroid nodules were collected, and the indications for thermal ablation were summarized. The causes of residual nodules after ablation were analyzed, the characteristics of residual nodules were evaluated through multiple approaches, and the follow-up treatment measures were summarized.ResultsThe indications of thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules were different at home and abroad. The causes of residual nodules included slow absorption after ablation and incomplete ablation. Among the evaluation methods of residual nodules, the nodules volume reduction rate was the evaluation standard of short-term efficacy, contrast-enhanced ultrasound was the best method, color Doppler blood color distributionwas the most commonly used method, elastic imaging was a valuable method, and puncture pathology biopsy was an important standard. Reablation and surgical resection were the follow-up treatments for residual nodules.ConclusionsAs a new technique, thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules has some advantages, but it is flooding at present. In the future, it is necessary to standardize indications, improve the efficiency of first ablation, attach importance to pathological complete ablation, and reasonably evaluate the treatment of residual nodules, so that thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules could reflect rationality, safety, and efficiency, and give full play to its advantages, so as to serve patients better and have better application prospects.