Objective To analyze curative effect of microwave ablation (MWA) on benign thyroid nodules and its influences on levels of serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Methods 102 patients with benign thyroid nodules admitted to hospitals from June 2017 to May 2019 were enrolled. They were randomly divided into observation group (n=51, MWA) and control group (n=51, thyroid nodes resection). The surgical situation was compared between the two groups, and nodule regression in the observation group within 6 months after surgery was recorded. Thyroid function (T3, T4, TSH) before and after treatment, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time and postoperative hospital stay of observation group were shorter than those of control group (P＜0.05). The volume of thyroid nodules in observation group decreased after operation (P＜0.05). The volume reduction rates in observation group at 3 months and 6 months after operation were 3045% and 7970%, respectively. After treatment, serum T3 and T4 in both group decreased, while TSH levels increased(P＜0.05). Besides, serum T3 and T4 levels in observation group after treatment were lower than those in control group, while the TSH level was obviously higher than that in control group (P＜0.05). The incidence of complications in observation group was lower than that in control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion MWA is effective in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. It can effectively preserve thyroid function and promote nodular regression, with little trauma and low incidence of postoperative complications.