Treatment and Prevention of Recurrence of Multinodular Goiter: An Evidence-based Review of the Literature

Tailoring TSH suppression in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: evidence, controversies, and future directions

PURPOSE

This review focus on the controversial benefits of thyroid hormone suppression therapy (THST) in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and its associated risks, highlighting the need for individualized strategies to optimize therapeutic outcomes and guide future research.

METHODS

A systematic literature search on TSH suppression in DTC over the past 10 years was conducted, prioritizing RCTs, large cohort studies, and non-inferiority trials, with additional references identified from retrieved articles.

RESULTS

Tailored postoperative TSH strategies should consider factors such as risk stratification, treatment modality, histologic subtype, and adverse effect risks. In this context, mechanistic studies offer potential insights that could inform personalized TSH management, though further validation is required. Clinical evidence on THST in DTC remains controversial, particularly for high-risk patients, where support for stringent TSH suppression (<0.1 mU/L) is limited. Data for intermediate-risk DTC are insufficient due to cohort heterogeneity, while TSH suppression in low-risk DTC is largely discouraged. The well-documented adverse effects of excessive THST, including cardiovascular complications and osteoporosis, further provide a strong rationale against its routine use. Additionally, achieving and maintaining target TSH levels in real-world practice remains challenging, underscoring the need for refined approaches.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence provides limited support for the TSH targets recommended by the 2015 ATA guidelines. Optimizing postoperative TSH management should account for individualized factors, including risk stratification, treatment modalities, histologic subtypes, and susceptibility to adverse effects. Future research should prioritize well-designed studies with clearly defined suppression levels and appropriate confounder adjustments, emphasizing personalized approaches to balance therapeutic benefits and adverse effects.

The parathyroid glands identification of carbon nanoparticles via preoperative injection in reoperation of recurrent benign multinodular goiter

Introduction

Benign multinodular goiter (BMNG) can grow very large and cause compression symptoms, making the operation procedure difficult. However, the recurrence rate of BMNG ranges from 3% to 43%. Reoperative thyroid surgery for BMNG is uncommon and can result in a high rate of complications, including hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Carbon nanoparticles (CNs) have been widely used as a protective agent for the parathyroid gland and as a tracer agent in central lymph node dissection. However, the protection effect of CNs in redoing BMNG has not been well illustrated. This study investigates whether CNs could protect parathyroid glands (PGs) during reoperation for patients with BMNG.

Methods

BMNG patients who previously underwent thyroidectomy and received reoperation between January 2019 and January 2022 were retrospectively recruited. The Dunhill approach was employed for all patients. The patients were divided into two groups: the CNs group, who received injection CNs injection 1 hour before the operation (n = 24), and the control group, who underwent thyroid surgery without CNs injection (control group, n = 25). The numbers of PGs preserved in situ, autotransplantation, the accidental removal of the PGs, and the parathyroid hormone level were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The results revealed that more PGs were preserved in situ in the CNs group compared to the control group (3.25±0.15 vs 2.60±0.16, P=.007). Moreover, fewer PGs were subjected to autotransplantation and were accidentally discovered in the specimen in the CNs group compared to the control group. Patients who had CNs injection exhibited a lower rate of transient (5/24 vs. 13/25, P=.024) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (2/24 vs. 9/25, P=.020) compared to the control group.

Long-Term Effects of 0.1 mg Recombinant-Human-Thyrotropin-Stimulated Fixed-Dose Radioiodine Therapy in Patients with Recurrent Multinodular Goiter after Surgery

(1) Background: After thyroid malignancy is ruled out, treatment options for multinodular goiter patients include surgery, levothyroxine suppressive therapy, and 131-I therapy. Surgery effectively reduces goiter size but carries risks of surgical and anesthetic complications. 131-I therapy is the only nonsurgical alternative, but its effectiveness diminishes with goiter size and depends on iodine sufficiency. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 0.1 mg rhTSH as an adjuvant to a fixed dose of 131-I therapy in patients with a recurrence of large multinodular goiter, several years after the initial thyroidectomy. (2) Methods: 14 patients (13 females and 1 male), aged 59.14 ± 15.44 (range, 35-78 years) received 11mciu of 131-I, 24 h after the administration of 0.1 mg rhTSH. The primary endpoint was the change in thyroid volume (by ultrasound measurements) as well as in the diameter of the predominant nodule during a follow-up period of 10 years. Secondary endpoints were the alterations in thyroid function and potential adverse effects. (3) Results: A significant decrease in the volume of initial thyroid remnants (32.16 ± 16.66 mL) was observed from the first reevaluation (at 4 months, 23.12 ± 11.59 mL) as well as at the end of the follow-up period (10 years, 12.62 ± 8.76 mL), p < 0.01. A significant reduction in the dominant nodule was also observed (from 31.71 ± 10.46 mm in the beginning to 26.67 ± 11.05 mm). (4) Conclusions: Further investigation is needed since this approach could be attractive in terms of minimizing the potential risks of reoperation in these patients.

Total vs less than total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular non-toxic goiter: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We have performed an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing total thyroidectomy (TT) with less than total thyroidectomy (LTT) for benign multinodular non-toxic goiter (BMNG).

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to evaluate the effects and outcomes of TT as compared to LTT.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria: RCTs comparing TT vs LTT.

INFORMATION SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and online registers were searched for articles comparing TT with LTT. Risk of bias: Articles were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane's revised tool to assess risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2 tool).

SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS

The main summary measures were risk difference using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Recurrence rate was lower for TT compared to LTT. Adverse events like temporary or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and permanent hypoparathyroidism were similar in both groups except for the rate of temporary hypoparathyroidism which was lower in the LTT group.

DISCUSSION

All studies had unclear risk of bias for blinding of the participants and personnel and high risk of bias for certain selective reporting. This meta-analysis did not show any clear benefit or harm of either procedure (TT vs LTT) for goiter recurrence and re-operation rates (for both recurrence and incidental thyroid cancer). However, re-operation for goiter recurrence was significantly higher in the LTT group based on a single RCT. Evidence suggests increased rates of temporary hypoparathyroidism with TT but there was no difference in the rate of RLN palsy and permanent hypoparathyroidism between the two methods. The overall quality of evidence was low to moderate.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Outcomes of Massive Multinodular Goiter: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Thyroidectomy for massive goiters is challenging because of the increased risk of tracheomalacia, combined sternotomy, postoperative morbidity, and mortality, whereas studies investigating the clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative morbidities, and surgical outcomes of massive goiters are limited.

METHODS

Patients with goiters undergoing thyroid surgery between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 227 patients were enrolled and divided into massive goiter group and large goiter group according to the weight of the goiter. Clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative morbidities, and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients (32.6%) had a goiter weighing more than 250 g and 153 patients (67.4%) were categorized in the large goiter group. Compared to large goiter patients, massive goiter patients had higher rates of retrosternal extension (82.4% vs. 30.7%), combined sternotomy (12.2% vs. 1.3%), intensive care unit admission (25.7% vs. 7.2%), transient hypoparathyroidism (41.9% vs. 25.5%), and transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (10.8% vs. 3.3%) as well as prolonged length of hospital stay (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Massive goiter patients were at increased risk of combined sternotomy, intensive care unit admission, postoperative morbidities as well as prolonged length of hospital stay after thyroidectomy compared to large goiter patients, but most of them can be treated through a cervical approach with a favorable outcome.

Effectiveness of hemi-thyroidectomy in relieving compressive symptoms in cases with large multi nodular goiter

Introduction and importance

This case series describe the efficacy of hemi-thyroidectomy to relieve the compressive symptoms of cases having large multi-nodular goiter with preservation of the thyroid gland function. It's considered as an education tool for surgeons to perform safe hemi thyroidectomy to patients indicated for total removal of the gland. Compressive symptoms like mild/severe dysphagia or dyspnea associated with both benign and malignant thyroid disease. Although total thyroidectomy is currently considered the standard of care, hemi thyroidectomy is another surgical option with more benefits.

Case presentation

This case series was performed in a tertiary university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It included 35 females and 3 males above the age of 18 (mean age 42 years). All the operations were elective hemi-thyroidectomies performed by one surgeon, during 2019. Patients were complaining of; Voice Change, Neck Swelling, Dysphagia, Chocking, SOB, and Orthopnea. 20 of them were medically free and 18 patients had multiple associated comorbidities.

Clinical findings and investigations

Demographic data, baseline co-morbidities, TSH levels prior to surgery, thyroid gland size, FNA results and pre-operative symptoms were recorded. In addition, compressive symptomatology outcomes from two weeks to two years were recorded. Thirty-two of them (84%) had their symptoms resolve completely and did not need a completion surgery. Out of the 6 who had persistent symptoms, only two needed a completion surgery. Furthermore, only 34.2% required thyroid hormone replacement, 31.6% were euthyroid and 2.6% were hypothyroid preoperatively.

Interventions and outcome

Hemi thyroidectomy was chosen to avoid the risk of hormone replacement, and hypocalcemia. Our results revealed that compressive symptoms were effectively relieved in the majority of our patients. Only 2 patients had to undergo completion thyroidectomy due to compressive symptoms with no perioperative or postoperative complications.

Relevance and impact

We would recommend hemi thyroidectomy for cases of large multi nodular goiter due to its positive implication on patient outcome particularly if the patient refuse hormonal replacement.

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Compressive symptoms were effectively relieved in the majority of our patients.

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Only 2 patients had to undergo completion thyroidectomy due to compressive symptoms.

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No perioperative or postoperative complications were witnessed during the primary or completion surgery.

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The main drawback with hemithyroidectomy is recurrence.

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Nevertheless, most recurrences post thyroid surgery are asymptomatic and are diagnosed on ultrasonography.

Current approach to surgical management of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a set of disorders that involve excess synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, which leads to thyrotoxicosis. The most common forms of hyperthyroidism include diffuse toxic goiter (Graves' disease), toxic multinodular goiter (Plummer disease), and a solitary toxic adenoma. The most reliable screening measure of thyroid function is the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Options for treatment of hyperthyroidism include: antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy (the preferred treatment of hyperthyroidism among US thyroid specialists), or thyroidectomy. Massive thyroid enlargement with compressive symptoms, a suspicious nodule, Graves' orbitopathy, and patient preference are indications for surgical treatment of thyrotoxicosis. This paper reviews the current literature and controversies on the surgical approach to the management of hyperthyroidism.

Post-Operative Permanent Hypoparathyroidism and Preoperative Vitamin D Prophylaxis

Permanent hypoparathyroidism, a feared thyroidectomy complication, leads to significant patient morbidity, medical treatment, and monitoring. This study explores whether preoperative high-dose vitamin D loading decreases the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. In a subgroup analysis, the study examines the predictive utility of day 1 parathyroid hormone (PTH) in permanent hypoparathyroidism. Patients (n = 150) were previously recruited in the VItamin D In Thyroidectomy (VIDIT) trial, a multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the role of 300,000 IU cholecalciferol administered orally a week before total thyroidectomy. Patients were contacted postoperatively beyond six months through a telephonic questionnaire. The primary outcome was permanent hypoparathyroidism, strictly defined as the need for activated vitamin D six months postoperatively. Out of 150 patients, 130 (86.7%) were contactable. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 11/130 (8.5%) patients, with a lower incidence of 5.3% (3/57) in the cholecalciferol group compared to 11% (8/73) in the placebo group; however, this was non-significant (p = 0.34). In a subgroup analysis, no relationship between day 1 PTH level and the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was found (p ≥ 0.99). There was a lower rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism in the cholecalciferol group, which was not significant. The predictive utility of day 1 postoperative PTH levels may be limited to transient hypoparathyroidism.

Quality of life is not affected by thyroid surgery in nontoxic benign goitre in long-term surveillance-A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Quality of life (QoL) has so far seldom been taken into account by default in decision-making for surgical indication in thyroid surgery. Therefore, we compared pre- and postoperative QoL of patients using the EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire. The influence of certain socio-economic factors on QoL as a second end-point was considered.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PATIENTS

About 153 patients with euthyroid symptomatic benign goitre after hemi- and total thyroidectomy (follow-up 83.6%) have been included.

MEASUREMENTS

The EQ-5D questionnaire was used prior to and 1 year after surgery. In addition, a questionnaire for assessment of socio-economic status was collected.

RESULTS

For n = 90 (n = 67 female, n = 23 male), total thyroidectomy (TT) and, for n = 63 (n = 45 female, n = 18 male), hemithyroidectomy (HT) were performed. None permanent dysfunction of the vocal cord was recorded. Transient symptomatic hypocalcaemia was detected in 9% of the thyroidectomy group (8/90 patients). At follow-up, 86% of patients showed either no change or improved QoL. About 14% of patients complained of deteriorated QoL, regardless of the extent of surgery. Socio-economic factors did not influence postoperative QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that in pre-operative consultation of patients with benign goitre, the improvement of QoL should be taken into account for decision-making in cases of ambiguous surgical indication. Contrary to current discussions that too much thyroid surgery is performed in Germany, we can recommend presenting surgery as an equivalent option to watchful waiting as QoL is at least preserved or improved. The extension of the resection should, however, be decided individually.

[Reliability of DRG Routine Data to Analyse Treatment Outcome and Complications of Thyroid Surgery. A Critical Analysis of Data of Patient Records Compared to Administrative Data]

INTRODUCTION

Quality assurance of the thyroid surgery has been an important part of the work of the endocrine surgeon. For most analyses, data from register files or studies have been used. Administrative data taken from routine data are increasingly used in quality assurance for evaluation. The aim of the study is to determine the reliability of routine data to analyse the treatment outcome and complications of thyroid surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, we compared records of 121 patients with thyroid surgery for one year with the data of quality assurance of clinical routine. We determined sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of complications.

RESULTS

Screening of administrative data identified 40 specific complications; 84 by patient records. Sensitivities for the detection of complications using administrative data ranged from 31.3 to 60.0%. Specificities ranged from 97.0 to 100%; PPV were 0.77 - 1.0 and NPV were 0.56 - 1.0.

CONCLUSION

Quality assurance of clinical routine data of the thyroid surgery shows deficiencies in sensitivity accompanied by high specificity. It is necessary to increase the validity of administrative routine data to carry out a reliable clinic quality analysis or to prepare volume-outcome relationships in clinical health service research. The parameter of hypocalcaemia shows the most limitations due to quality assurance of clinical routine data.

Graves' disease, multinodular goiter and subclinical hyperthyroidism

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a common clinical entity, defined by serum TSH below the reference range, with normal FT4 and FT3 levels in an asymptomatic patient. Whether or not subclinical hyperthyroidism should be treated remains a matter of debate. Cross-sectional and longitudinal population-based studies demonstrate association of subclinical hyperthyroidism with risk of atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis, and with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. However, there are no randomized clinical trials addressing whether long-term health outcomes are improved by treating subclinical hyperthyroidism; in the absence of evidence one way or the other, it seems appropriate to use decision trees taking account of TSH concentration and presence of risk factors (age>65 years or post-menopause, osteoporosis and cardiac disease).

Hemithyroidectomy for benign euthyroid asymmetric nodular goitre

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the optimal surgery extent for patients with benign euthyroid asymmetric nodular goitre (AMNG).

METHODS

We reviewed medical literature using the PubMed engine to address the following issues: definition and prevalence, rationale for hemithyroidectomy, long-term outcomes, follow-up, revision surgery and image-guided thermal ablation of contralateral benign thyroid nodules following hemithyroidectomy for AMNG.

RESULTS

In total, 102 articles were found in MEDLINE using a keyword search strategy; subsequently, we selected 36 articles with clinical pertinence.

CONCLUSIONS

AMNG is a common clinical and surgical problem. Depending on the extent of the disease and individual surgeon preferences, either unilateral or bilateral thyroidectomy can be performed. Hemithyroidecomy can be considered for some patients with AMNG and the low risk of recurrent disease as a safer alternative to total thyroidectomy but it requires life-long follow-up, is associated with a higher recurrence risk and a need for revision thyroidectomy in selected subjects.

[Update of the S2k guidelines : Surgical treatment of benign thyroid diseases]

Thyroid resections represent one of the most common operations with 76,140 interventions in the year 2016 in Germany (source Destatis). These are predominantly benign thyroid gland diseases. Recommendations for the operative treatment of benign thyroid diseases were last published by the CAEK in 2010 as S2k guidelines (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e.V. [AWMF] 003/002) against the background of increasingly more radical resection procedures. Hemithyroidectomy and thyroidectomy are routinely performed for benign thyroid disease in practice. The operation-specific risks show a clear increase with the extent of the resection. Therefore, weighing-up of the risk-indications ratio between unilateral lobectomy or thyroidectomy necessitates an independent evaluation of the indications for both sides. This principle in particular has been used to update the guidelines. In addition, the previously published recommendations of the CAEK for correct execution and consequences of intraoperative neuromonitoring were included into the guidelines, which in particular serve the aim to avoid bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Moreover, the recommendations for the treatment of postoperative complications, such as hypoparathyroidism and postoperative infections were revised. The updated guidelines therefore represent the current state of the science as well as the resulting surgical practice.

Complications after reoperative thyroid surgery: retrospective evaluation of 152 consecutive cases

Reoperative thyroid surgery is an uncommon procedure that is indicated in recurrent benign or malignant disease. It is associated with a high complication rate, especially of hypoparathyroidism and recurrent nerve palsy. We retrospectively reviewed our series of patients on whom reoperative thyroid surgery was performed and we compared this group with patients who underwent primary thyroidectomies. From 2002 to 2015, 4572 thyroidectomies were performed at our institution; among these, 152 (3.3%) were for benign or malignant recurrent disease. We observed a higher rate of transient hypoparathyroidism in secondary vs primary surgery (56.6% vs 25.9%; p < 0.0001), of permanent hypoparathyroidism (10% vs 2.0%; p < 0.0001) and of transient recurrent nerve injury (4.6% vs 1.4%; p < 0.05). Reoperative thyroid surgery is a technical challenge with a high incidence of complications. Scarring, edema, and friability of the tissues together with distortion of the landmarks make reoperative surgery hazardous. Careful assessment of patient's risk factors, physical examination, and if necessary fine needle aspiration cytology are crucial for selecting the patients who should undergo reoperation. Research registry n. 2617 registered 5 June 2017 (retrospectively registered).

Long-term sequelae of the less than total thyroidectomy procedures for benign thyroid nodular disease

INTRODUCTION

Nodular goiter is the most common disorder of the thyroid gland. Less than total thyroidectomy procedures are considered the gold standard in the surgical management of nodular thyroid disease despite its propensity for recurrence. The aim of the study was to assess long-term sequelae of the less than total thyroidectomy procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this single-center retrospective study, records of 154 patients that underwent less than total thyroidectomy, for nodular disease and/or hyperthyroidism between 1998 and 2013, were reviewed. Patients with malignant findings in the histology report and a follow-up of less than 5 years were excluded.

RESULTS

The mean age of the recorded patients was 65.1 ± 12.91 years of which 132 were females. Subtotal thyroidectomy was performed in 45.5% of the study population, 22.1% underwent partial thyroidectomy, while the remaining 32.5% underwent lobectomy. Long-term thyroxine supplementation was administered in 138 patients (89.6%). Recurrence of clinically important nodules (>1 cm) was observed in 68.2% of patients but only 11% of the population underwent completion thyroidectomy. In the univariate analysis, the duration of follow-up (p = 0.00005, C.I.: 0.903-0.965) as well as the type of operation (p = 0.035, C.I.: 1.031-2.348) appeared to have a significant correlation with nodular recurrence. The multivariate analysis identified the duration of follow-up (p = 0.0005, C.I.: 0.908-0.973) as the only significant predictive factor of nodular recurrence.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study with such a long duration of post-operative follow-up. The high rate of nodular recurrence in less than total thyroidectomy procedures along with the lifelong need for thyroxine supplementation suggest that a more conservative surgical approach is needed. When surgery is recommended, we suggest total thyroidectomy as the treatment of choice to avoid the recurrence of disease, the high cost associated with frequent follow-ups by means of sonography as well as thyroxine replacement therapy.

Ten-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Total Thyroidectomy Versus Dunhill Operation Versus Bilateral Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Multinodular Non-toxic Goiter

Background

The aim of this study was to validate in a 10-year follow-up the initial outcomes of various thyroid resection methods for multinodular non-toxic goiter (MNG) reported in World J Surg 2010;34:1203–13.

Materials and methods

Six hundred consenting patients with MNG were randomized to three groups of 200 patients each: total thyroidectomy (TT), Dunhill operation (DO), bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (BST). Obligatory follow-up period of 60 months was extended up to 120 months for all the consenting patients. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of recurrent goiter and need for revision thyroid surgery. The secondary outcome measure was the cumulative postoperative and post-revision morbidity rate.

Results

The primary outcomes were twice as inferior at 10 years when compared to 5-year results for DO and BST, but not for TT. Recurrent goiter was found at 10 years in 1 (0.6%) TT versus 15 (8.6%) DO versus 39 (22.4%) BST (p < 0.001), and revision thyroidectomy was necessary in 1 (0.6%) TT versus 5 (2.8%) DO versus 14 (8.0%) BST patients (p < 0.001). Any permanent morbidity at 10 years was present in 5 (2.8%) TT patients following initial surgery versus 7 (4.0%) DO and 10 (5.7%) BST patients following initial and revision thyroidectomy (nonsignificant differences). At 10 years, 23 (11.5%) TT versus 25 (12.5%) DO versus 26 (13.0%) BST patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

Total thyroidectomy can be considered the preferred surgical approach for patients with MNG, as it abolishes the risk of goiter recurrence and need for future revision thyroidectomy when compared to more limited thyroid resections, whereas the prevalence of permanent morbidity is not increased at experienced hands.

Registration number:

NCT00946894 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Recurrence of Graves' disease in ectopic thyroid tissue

A 40-year-old woman with a history of Graves' disease status postorbital decompression for severe ophthalmopathy underwent total thyroidectomy by a high volume thyroid surgeon in July 2013 with a benign final pathology. Eight months later, she presented with a mass on the right anterior neck that showed minimal growth over time. Her thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody levels were consistently elevated and increasing. She underwent removal of the neck mass in September 2016. Final pathology showed benign thyroid tissue with diffuse hyperplasia and lymphoid follicles, consistent with Graves' disease. We present an unusual recurrence of Graves' disease post-total thyroidectomy that recurred secondary to ectopic thyroid tissue in the right upper anterior neck deep to the strap muscles.

Less than total thyroidectomy for goiter: when and how?

Benign goiter is the most common endocrine disease that requires surgery, especially in endemic areas suffering from iodine-deficiency. Recent European and American guidelines recommended total thyroidectomy for the surgical treatment of multinodular goiter. Total thyroidectomy has now become the technique of choice and is widely considered the most reliable approach in preventing recurrence. Nevertheless, total thyroidectomy carries a substantial risk in terms of hypoparathyroidism and the morbidity associated with injury to the inferior laryngeal nerve. In this context, partial/less-than-total thyroidectomy is being considered once again as a viable alternative. This review will discuss the extent of thyroid surgery for benign disease and the impact of the surgical protocol on the patient- and surgeon-specific risk factors for specific complication rates.

Indications and Morbidity of Reoperative Thyroid Surgeries in a Military Hospital of Senegal

Objectives

To describe reoperative thyroid surgeries in our department.

Study Design

Retrospective cross-sectional and descriptive study at the Ouakam Military Hospital in Dakar (Senegal), over a period of eight and a half years.

Methods

The study involved all records of patients who had a reoperative thyroidectomy regardless of the indication and time of the second surgery. Parameters evaluated for first and reoperative surgery were time interval between the two surgeries, operative indications, surgical procedures, intraoperative findings, pathological examination, and morbidity.

Results

30 records of patients were selected out of a total of 698 thyroidectomies (4.3%). Thyroid cancers diagnosed on first surgical specimens were the first indications of reoperations (46.67%) followed by neck hematoma (20%). Completion thyroidectomy with a prophylactic central lymph nodes dissection was the most performed surgical procedure (43.33%) followed by haemostasis (20%). During reoperation, we found active bleeding (20%), textiloma (6.67%), and fourth branchial cleft fistula (3.33%). The morbidity accounted for 10%: lymphorrhea, permanent hypocalcemia, and permanent recurrent nerve palsy, in one case, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the morbidity in patients reoperated on and the one for patients operated on once.

Conclusion

We did not find an increased risk of postoperative morbidity after reintervention.

Multinodular goiter in children: treatment controversies

BACKGROUND

Multinodular goiter (MG) is very common in adults. MG may occur in children in some exceptional circumstances. The objective of this study was to examine two cases of MG in children who relapsed soon after surgery and to discuss the treatment options in pediatric ages.

METHODS

Two girls consulted for euthyroid colloid goiter, uninodular goiter and bilateral MG. They were intervened by hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy, respectively, due to the existence of local symptoms.

RESULTS

Goiters reappeared 3 years after intervention in both cases. They already appeared as bilaterally MG, and patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, in one case after 1 year of treatment with levothyroxine (LT4).

CONCLUSIONS

MG treatment remains controversial. There is an increasing trend to a more radical surgery decreasing recurrence risk. Treatment with LT4 may be tested but it is rarely effective. Regardless of the therapeutic option, these children should be followed up and they should know about the possibility of goiter regeneration and the need for reintervention.

Intra-capsular total thyroid enucleation versus total thyroidectomy in treatment of benign multinodular goiter. A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Due to high recurrence rate after subtotal thyroidectomy, most of centers have shifted to total thyroidectomy as a surgical treatment for benign multinodular goiter (BMNG), but serious complications, as laryngeal nerve affection & hypocalcaemia, are still present. This study aimed to evaluate treatment of BMNG using intra-capsular total thyroid enucleation in comparison to standard total thyroidectomy.

PATIENTS &METHODS

This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in a hospital in the period from December 2009 to December 2015. Of total 224 patients with clinically BMNG. 112 patients operated by intracapsular total thyroid enucleation (ITTE group) and the other 112 patients operated by standard total thyroidectomy (STT group). The minimal follow up period was 36 months.

RESULTS

The mean operative time in ITTE group was (93.7 ± 9.6 min) compared to (86.9 ± 8.3 min) in STT group. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy was 0% in ITTE group VS 7.1% in STT group. No cases (0%) developed permanent RLN palsy in ITTE group VS 0.9% in STT group. Symptomatic transient hypocalcaemia occurred in 1.8% in ITTE group VS 11.6% in STT group. No cases (0%) developed permanent hypocalcaemia in ITTE group VS 0.9% in STT group. No recurrence (0%) in both groups after minimal 3 years of follow up.

CONCLUSION

Intracapsular Total thyroid enucleation technique is safe with the least serious complications, especially RLN injury and hypoparathyroidism, with no recurrence, but this technique still not radical so couldn't be used in suspicious cases for malignancy.

Intermittent neural monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in surgery for recurrent goiter

Reoperative thyroid surgery is still challenging even for skilled surgeons, and is associated with a higher incidence of complications, such as hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy. Displacement of the RLN, scar tissue from previous neck surgery and difficulty in maintaining good hemostasis are risk factors in reoperations. The prevalence of RLN injury in reoperative thyroid surgery ranges as high as 12.5% for transient injury and up to 3.8% for permanent injury. Bilateral paresis can also occur during reoperations, and is a dangerous complication influencing the quality of life, sometimes requiring tracheostomy. RLN identification is the gold standard during thyroidectomy, and the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) can be a valuable adjunct to visual identification. This technique can be used to identify the RLN and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN), both of which are standardized procedures. The aim of this review was to evaluate the use of intermittent neural monitoring of the RLN in surgery for recurrent goiter, and to assess the prevalence of RLN injury while using IONM reported in the current literature.

Thyroid lobectomy is an effective option for unilateral benign nodular disease

OBJECTIVE

The use of thyroid lobectomy in the treatment of unilateral, benign nodules is limited by the potential of nodular recurrence in the remaining lobe. This study aimed to assess the rate and clinical impact of nodular recurrence in the contralateral lobe after thyroid lobectomy and to identify predictive factors of recurrence.

DESIGN

Single-centre retrospective study.

PATIENTS

Records of patients that underwent lobectomy for unilateral thyroid nodules between 1991 and 2010 were reviewed and 270 patients were included. Exclusion criteria were: presence of contralateral nodule(s) ≥5 mm on preoperative ultrasound, diagnosis of cancer necessitating completion thyroidectomy or pseudonodules. Recurrence was defined as the occurrence of nodule(s) ≥5 mm in the remaining lobe on at least one postoperative ultrasound. A set of clinical, imaging, histological and biochemical parameters was tested as predictors of recurrence using logistic regression.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 78 months (range, 12-277 months), the global recurrence rate was 42% and recurrence of nodules of a size ≥1 cm occurred in 19%. Reoperation rate was 1·1%. 90% of patients were treated postoperatively by levothyroxine. Median time to nodular recurrence was 4 years. Preoperative contralateral lobe volume and resected thyroid weight were identified as significant predictors of recurrence (P = 0·045 and P = 0·03 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid lobectomy is an effective therapeutic strategy for unilateral, benign nodules, resulting in a low rate of clinically relevant nodular relapse in a mildly iodine-deficient area. Patients with uninodular disease and a contralateral lobe of normal size are particularly good candidates for lobectomy.

Influence of change in surgical practice for benign thyroid disease on postsurgical outcome-Single-center experience in 1400 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rate of surgical complications during the change from subtotal resection to hemithyroidectomy or thyroidectomy over a period of 17 years.

METHODS

All operations for benign goiter at our hospital were analyzed for the periods 1996-2002 (Group 1) and 2003-2012 (Group 2). The groups were compared for recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, hypocalcemia, and other surgical complications directly postoperatively.

RESULTS

In total, 1462 patients were operated on for goiter between 1996 and 2012. There were 1219 patients who underwent a primary thyroid operation, whereas 50 patients had surgery for recurrence. Postoperative histology revealed thyroid cancer in 193 patients (13.2%). In Group 1, 42.7% of all operated lobes were performed as lobectomies and 57.3% as subtotal resections; in Group 2, 74.4% were performed as lobectomies and 25.6% as subtotal resections. No differences were found for reduced vocal cord function (2.4% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.746) and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in the postoperative laryngoscopy (2.9% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.675). Postoperative hypoparathyroidism was detected in 13.66% in Group 1 and in 19.80% in Group 2 after bilateral resections (p = 0.037). There was no difference in the rate of reoperations for cancer between both groups (43.4% vs. 52.1%, p = 0.182).

CONCLUSION

Surgical practice changed from subtotal to lobectomies for benign goiter over a period of 17 years without change in laryngeal nerve damage but with increasing rates of postoperative hypocalcemia.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY, AND ASSOCIAZIONE MEDICI ENDOCRINOLOGI MEDICAL GUIDELINES FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF THYROID NODULES--2016 UPDATE

Thyroid nodules are detected in up to 50 to 60% of healthy subjects. Most nodules do not cause clinically significant symptoms, and as a result, the main challenge in their management is to rule out malignancy, with ultrasonography (US) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy serving as diagnostic cornerstones. The key issues discussed in these guidelines are as follows: (1) US-based categorization of the malignancy risk and indications for US-guided FNA (henceforth, FNA), (2) cytologic classification of FNA samples, (3) the roles of immunocytochemistry and molecular testing applied to thyroid FNA, (4) therapeutic options, and (5) follow-up strategy. Thyroid nodule management during pregnancy and in children are also addressed. On the basis of US features, thyroid nodules may be categorized into 3 groups: low-, intermediate-and high-malignancy risk. FNA should be considered for nodules ≤10 mm diameter only when suspicious US signs are present, while nodules ≤5 mm should be monitored rather than biopsied. A classification scheme of 5 categories (nondiagnostic, benign, indeterminate, suspicious for malignancy, or malignant) is recommended for the cytologic report. Indeterminate lesions are further subdivided into 2 subclasses to more accurately stratify the risk of malignancy. At present, no single cytochemical or genetic marker can definitely rule out malignancy in indeterminate nodules. Nevertheless, these tools should be considered together with clinical data, US signs, elastographic pattern, or results of other imaging techniques to improve the management of these lesions. Most thyroid nodules do not require any treatment, and levothyroxine (LT4) suppressive therapy is not recommended. Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) should be the first-line treatment option for relapsing, benign cystic lesions, while US-guided thermal ablation treatments may be considered for solid or mixed symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. Surgery remains the treatment of choice for malignant or suspicious nodules. The present document updates previous guidelines released in 2006 and 2010 by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi (AME).

Diagnostic, therapeutic and health-care management protocol in thyroid surgery: a position statement of the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (U.E.C. CLUB)

PURPOSE

The diagnostic, therapeutic and health-care management protocol (Protocollo Gestionale Diagnostico-Terapeutico-Assistenziale, PDTA) by the Association of the Italian Endocrine Surgery Units (U.E.C. CLUB) aims to help treat the patient in a topical, rational way that can be shared by health-care professionals.

METHODS

This fourth consensus conference involved: a selected group of experts in the preliminary phase; all members, via e-mail, in the elaboration phase; all the participants of the XI National Congress of the U.E.C. CLUB held in Naples in the final phase. The following were examined: diagnostic pathway and clinical evaluation; mode of admission and waiting time; therapeutic pathway (patient preparation for surgery, surgical treatment, postoperative management, management of major complications); hospital discharge and patient information; outpatient care and follow-up.

RESULTS

A clear and concise style was adopted to illustrate the reasons and scientific rationales behind behaviors and to provide health-care professionals with a guide as complete as possible on who, when, how and why to act. The protocol is meant to help the surgeon to treat the patient in a topical, rational way that can be shared by health-care professionals, but without influencing in any way the physician-patient relationship, which is based on trust and clinical judgment in each individual case.

CONCLUSIONS

The PDTA in thyroid surgery approved by the fourth consensus conference (June 2015) is the official PDTA of U.E.C. CLUB.

Patient outcomes following surgical management of multinodular goiter: Does multinodularity increase the risk of thyroid malignancy?

BACKGROUND

the difference in the risk of thyroid malignancy for patients with multinodular goiter (MNG) and solitary nodular goiter (SNG) remains controversial. Although total thyroidectomy (TT) is the current preferred surgical option for MNG, permanent hypothyroidism in these patients may be a concern. Therefore, we discuss whether nontotal thyroidectomy is a reasonable alternative surgical option.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed for 1598 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid surgery for nodular goiter between January 2007 and December 2012. Numerous clinical parameters were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

We reviewed 795 patients with MNG and 803 patients with SNG. The prevalence of malignancy on final pathology was significantly higher in the patients with MNG than in the patients with SNG (15.6% vs 10.1%, P = 0.001). However, a multivariate analysis revealed that this difference was insignificant (P = 0.50). Papillary carcinoma was the predominant type in both groups, but papillary microcarcinoma was more frequently found (41.1%) in the patients with MNG. The only multifocal cancers were of the papillary carcinoma histologic type, and the incidence of multifocal papillary carcinoma was significantly higher in the patients with MNG (23.4% vs 7.4%, P = 0.005). Reoperation was not required for the patients who underwent TT for goiter recurrence or incidental carcinoma. The overall rate of recurrence following nontotal thyroidectomy was 12.2%. Among the patients who underwent reoperation for goiter recurrence, 2 (20.0%) were complicated with permanent hypoparathyroidism. Among the patients who underwent a nontotal bilateral thyroidectomy, an average of 56.5% had permanent hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Multinodularity does not increase the risk of thyroid malignancy. However, patients with MNG who develop papillary carcinoma are at an increased risk of cancer multifocality. If a patient can tolerate lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, TT is the preferred surgical option because it helps avoid reoperation and the associated complications. Nontotal bilateral thyroidectomy does not ensure the preservation of thyroid hormone function.

Total Thyroidectomy versus Bilateral Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Bilateral Multinodular Nontoxic Goiter: A Meta-Analysis

AIM

The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess and validate the feasibility and safety of total thyroidectomy (TT) when compared to bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (BST) for bilateral multinodular nontoxic goiter (BMNG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Ovid's database were searched for studies published in English language between January 1990 and December 2014. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the complications and recurrences of TT versus BST. The search terms used were 'total thyroidectomy', 'bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy', 'multinodular nontoxic goiter' and 'randomized clinical trial'. The reference lists of relevant studies were checked manually to locate any missing studies.

RESULTS

Four trials with a total of 1,078 patients were analyzed. Although the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism was higher in TT than in BST (OR = 2.59, 95% CI [1.58-4.24], p = 0.0002), TT was associated with a significantly lower incidence of recurrence (OR = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.17], p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences for the presence of transient/permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and permanent hypoparathyroidism between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TT is a feasible and safe procedure for patients with BMNG. Although TT involves a significantly higher risk of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism, it has a lower recurrence rate than BST.

Etiopathology, clinical features, and treatment of diffuse and multinodular nontoxic goiters

Goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, is a common problem in clinical practice associated with iodine deficiency, increase in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, natural goitrogens, smoking, and lack of selenium and iron. Evidence suggests that heredity also has an important role in the etiology of goiter. The current classification divides goiter into diffuse and nodular, which may be further subdivided into toxic (associated with symptoms of hyperthyroidism, suppressed TSH or both), or nontoxic (associated with a normal TSH level). Nodular thyroid disease with the presence of single or multiple nodules requires evaluation due to the risk of malignancy, toxicity, and local compressive symptoms. Measurement of TSH, accurate imaging with high-resolution ultrasonography or computed tomography, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy are the appropriate methods for evaluation and management of goiter. This review discusses the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment considerations of nontoxic diffuse and nodular goiters.

Can Total Thyroidectomy Be Safely Performed by Residents?: A Comparative Retrospective Multicenter Study

This retrospective comparative multicenter study aims to analyze the impact on patient outcomes of total thyroidectomy (TT) performed by resident surgeons (RS) with close supervision and assistance of attending surgeons (AS).All patients who underwent TT between 2009 and 2013 in 10 Units of endocrine surgery (8 in Italy, 1 in France, and 1 in UK) were evaluated. Demographic data, preoperative diagnosis, extension of goiter, type of surgical access, surgical approach, operative time, use and duration of drain, length of hospitalization, histology, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients were divided into 3 groups: A, when treated by an AS assisted by an RS; B and C, when treated by a junior and a senior RS, respectively, assisted by an AS.The 8908 patients (mean age 51.1 ± 13.6 years), with 6602 (74.1%) females were enrolled. Group A counted 7092 (79.6%) patients, Group B 261 (2.9%) and Group C 1555 (17.5%). Operative time was significantly greater (P < 0.001) in B (101.3 ± 43.0 min) vs A (71.8 ± 27.6 min) and C (81.2 ± 29.9 min). Duration of drain was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in A (47.4 ± 13.2 h) vs C (56.4 ± 16.5 h), and in B (42.8 ± 14.9 h) vs A and C. Length of hospitalization was significantly longer (P < 0.001) in C (3.8 ± 1.8 days) vs B (2.4 ± 1.0 days) and A (2.6 ± 1.5 days). No mortality occurred. Overall postoperative morbidity was 22.3%: it was significantly higher in B vs A (29.5% vs 22.3%; odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.92, P = 0.006) and C (21.3%; OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.15-2.07, P = 0.003). No differences were found for recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypoparathyroidism, hemorrhage, and wound infection. The adjusted ORs in multivariate analysis showed that overall morbidity remained significantly associated with Group B vs A (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12-1.96, P = 0.005) and vs C (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.19-2.17, P = 0.002), while no difference was observed in Group A vs B + C.TT can be safely performed by residents correctly supervised. Innovative gradual training in dedicated high-volume hospitals should be proposed in order to allow adequate autonomy for the RS and safeguard patient outcome.

Graves' disease in a mediastinal mass presenting after total thyroidectomy for nontoxic multinodular goiter: a case report

BACKGROUND

Thyrotoxicosis after total thyroidectomy is mostly iatrogenic. Rarely, a hyperfunctional thyroid remnant or ectopic tissue may be the cause. There are few cases of Graves' disease arising from thyroid tissue located in the mediastinum and none in which Graves' disease was diagnosed only after surgery. We report the case of a patient with Graves's disease in a mediastinal thyroid mass presenting 7 years after total thyroidectomy for nontoxic goiter.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old Caucasian woman presented with palpitations, fatigue and weight loss. She had a history of total thyroidectomy for nontoxic multinodular goiter at the age of 60 without any signs of malignancy on microscopic examination. She had been medicated with levothyroxine 100 μg/day since the surgery without follow-up. She was tachycardic, had no cervical mass or eye involvement. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were suppressed (0.000 μU/mL) and her free thyroxine (3.22 ng/dL) and free triiodothyronine (8.46 pg/mL) levels increased. Neither mediastinal enlargement nor trachea deviation was found on chest roentgenogram. Levothyroxine treatment was stopped but our patient showed no improvement on free thyroxine or free triiodothyronine 10 days later. Thyroglobulin was increased to 294 mg/mL. A cervical ultrasound scan revealed no thyroid remnant. Her anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies were high (19.7 U/L). Corporal scintigraphy demonstrated increased intrathoracic radioiodine uptake. A computed tomography scan confirmed a 60 × 40 mm mediastinal mass. Methimazole 10 mg/day was started. Three months later, her thyroid function was normal and she underwent surgical resection. Microscopic examination showed thyroid tissue with no signs of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although thyrotoxicosis after total thyroidectomy is mostly due to excessive supplementation, true hyperthyroidism may rarely be the cause, which should be kept in mind. The presence of thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy in our patient may correspond to a remnant or ectopic thyroid tissue that became hyperfunctional in the presence of anti- thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies.

Comparison of the results of total thyroidectomy and Dunhill operation in surgical treatment of multinodular goiter

Multi-nodular goiter (MNG) is one of the commonest thyroid gland disease. Surgery is an important treatment option in the presence of indications. There are several alternative procedures for thyroid gland operation such as subtotal thyroidectomy (STT), near-total thyroidectomy (NTT), hemi-thyroidectomy plus subtotal resection (Dunhill procedure), and total thyroidectomy (TT), but the surgical procedure of choice is still under discussion. In this study, 173 consecutive patients with multi-nodular goiter underwent thyroid operation in the department of surgery of Pursina Hospital in Rasht-Iran, using two different methods: Dunhill operation and total thyroidectomy. Outcome assessment was performed 4 days after surgery, 2 weeks, 1, 2, 10, and 20 month after surgery. Preoperative assessment, seroma, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypocalcaemia rates, and rates of other postoperative complications, final pathology, and recurrence were compared in two methods. Due to the high incidence of malignancy in this survey, TT can be the method of choice for MNG surgery. Also, TT will be more beneficial in the surgical treatment of benign thyroid disorders, especially those which are bilateral or extended to substernal space or which presented with compression symptoms.

Which Is the Ideal Treatment for Benign Diffuse and Multinodular Non-Toxic Goiters?

Patients with large benign goiters often present local compressive symptoms that require surgical treatment, including dysphagia, neck tightness, and airway obstruction. In contrast, patients with such goiters who remain asymptomatic may be observed after exclusion of malignancy. The use of levothyroxine (LT4) to reduce the volume of the goiter is still a controversial treatment for large goiters, and the optimal surgical procedure for multinodular goiter is still debatable. Radioiodine is a safe and effective treatment option when used alone or in combination with recombinant human TSH. This review discusses current therapeutic options to treat diffuse and multinodular non-toxic benign goiters.

Bilateral benign multinodular goiter: What is the adequate surgical therapy? A review of literature

BACKGROUND

Benign multinodular goiter (BMNG) is the most common endocrine disease requiring surgery. During the last few years a more aggressive approach has become the trend for bilateral BMNG treatment.

METHOD

Randomized clinical trials of any size that compared bilateral subtotal resection, Dunhill procedure and total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter, published between January 2000 and the end of March 2015, were reviewed.

DISCUSSION

Total thyroidectomy can be considered the most reliable approach in preventing recurrence. The Dunhill procedure is related to a higher rate of recurrence, but rarely recurrences after Dunhill procedure lead to reoperation. Total thyroidectomy avoid completion thyroidectomy for incidental carcinoma and its related risks. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy becomes less common as surgical experience increases. Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism is strictly related to the extent of neck dissection. In the risk-cost analysis we must consider the type of patient candidated to surgery and the impact of the surgical protocol we apply. When thyroid surgery is taken in consideration, specific complication rates of different procedures in each hospital must be analyzed accordingly to patient-specific risk factors and local expertise.

CONCLUSION

The Dunhill procedure seems to be a good compromise between radicality and prevention of complications, avoiding reoperation for recurrence or completion thyroidectomy for incidental thyroid carcinoma. More follow-up studies and prospective studies are necessary to better evaluate, definitively, whether to prefer total thyroidectomy or Dunhill procedure in case of benign goiter surgery.

Technique and outcome of autotransplanting thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy for simple multinodular goiters

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Limited animal and human studies have shown function, albeit inadequate, of implanted thyroid tissue in muscles. This work aimed to ascertain results in a larger number of patients, finding practical method for implantation, studying the effect of changing weight of implant and effect of passage of time on its function.

METHODS

Forty patients had total thyroidectomy for simple multinodular goiters. A piece of the excised gland was finely minced, mixed with saline as emulsion, and injected in thigh muscles. Twelve patients had 5-g implants, while 28 patients had 10-g implants. Four parameters were studied at 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months: technetium isotope uptake by the implant; thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); free T3 (FT3); and free T4 (FT4).

RESULTS

All autotransplanted thyroid tissue survived and functioned. After 12 months, mean values (± standard deviation) of isotope uptake, TSH, FT3, and FT4 of the 5-g implants were 0.44 ± 0.16%, 27.74 ± 30.4 UI/mL, 3.07 ± 1.10 pg/mL, and 1.01 ± 0.3 ng/dL, repectively. Those for the 10 g implants were 0.71 ± 0.20%, 22.78 ± 19.7 UI/mL, 3.92 ± 1.2 pg/mL, and 1.05 ± 0.3 ng/dL, repectively. Ten-gram implants showed significantly higher isotope uptake than 5-g. TSH, FT3, and FT4 significantly improved over the period of 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Injection of thyroid tissue suspension is a simple method for thyroid autotransplantation. TSH was elevated in the majority to maintain normal or near normal thyroid hormones. Ten-gram implants showed higher isotope uptake than 5-g, although this difference was not reflected by thyroid hormone profile. The implant seemed to function better with the passage of time from 2 months to 12 months.

The surgical treatment of bilateral benign nodular goiter: balancing invasiveness with complications

BACKGROUND

About 100,000 thyroid operations are performed in Germany each year. There is a current trend toward more radical surgery for bilateral euthyroid nodular goiter. In recent years, thyroid specialists and specialty guidelines have recommended total thyroidectomy, because it ensures that nodules will not recur and already provides an adequately radical excision in case an incidental carcinoma is found postoperatively on histological study of the specimen. An alternative method is unilateral hemithyroidectomy with contralateral subtotal resection (the Dunhill procedure).

METHOD

Selective literature review.

RESULTS

Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the longterm outcomes of different surgical methods. In addition, retrospective studies have been published, but their findings must be interpreted with caution because of limitations of method. When all of the data are considered, it appears that radical procedures are often not justified. According to the RCTs, nodules arose during long-term follow-up in 4.7-14% of patients who had undergone subtotal resection; yet, in the two more recent and methodologically more valid RCTs, surgery for recurrent goiter was needed in only 0-0.5% of patients treated with a Dunhill procedure and given adequate hormone supplementation. Most incidental carcinomas are papillary microcarcinomas; this entity is usually adequately treated with hemithyroidectomy. The reported complication rates of total thyroidectomy for permanent hypoparathyroidism in particular range from 0.5% (in specialized centers) to 10% (in a cross-sectional study) and thus seem higher than the corresponding rate for a Dunhill procedure (1-2%).

CONCLUSION

Total thyroidectomy has significant risks and should only be performed if the indication has been critically assessed. Alternative methods such as the Dunhill procedure are often radical enough with a much lower rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism; they remain an important option in thyroid surgery. Further RCTs with sufficient long-term follow-up are needed so that the different surgical methods can be reliably compared in detail.

[Surgery for benign goiter in Germany: fewer operations, changed resectional strategy, fewer complications]

BACKGROUND

The increase of certain operations in the wake of the introduction of the German Diagnosis-Related Groups (G-DRG) system rekindled debate on the risk-benefit profile of what is widely being perceived as a too high number of thyroidectomies for benign goiter in Germany.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The numbers of thyroidectomy for benign goiter from 2005-2011 were obtained from the Federal Bureau of Statistics ("Statistisches Bundesamt"). For the purpose of the study, the following operation and procedure key (OPS) codes were selected: hemithyroidectomy (OPS code 5-061); partial thyroid resection (OPS code 5-062); total thyroidectomy (OPS code 5-063); and thyroid surgeries via sternotomy (OPS code 5-064). The rates of permanent hypoparathyroidism and vocal cord palsy were calculated based on two prospective multicenter evaluation studies conducted in 1998-2001 (PETS 1) and 2010-2013 (PETS 2) in Germany.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2011, the number of thyroidectomies for benign thyroid goiter decreased by 8 %, and the age-standardized surgery rate decreased by 6 % in men (2005: 599 per 1 million; 2011: 565 per 1 million) and 11 % in women (2005: 1641 per 1 million; 2011: 1463 per 1 million). At the same time, the rates of partial and subtotal thyroidectomy decreased by 59 % in men and 64 % in women, whereas the rates of hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy increased by 65 % (113 %) in men and 42 % (97 %) in women. Despite a greater proportion of thyroidectomies over time, the approximated rates for postoperative hypoparathyroidism were reduced from 2.98 to 0.83 % and for postoperative vocal cord palsy from 1.06 to 0.86 %. Irrespective of that decline, either complication was more frequent after total than after subtotal thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSION

The total number of thyroid surgeries due to benign goiter has decreased substantially in Germany from 2005 through 2011. Despite changes in the resectional strategy with an increase in the total number thyroidectomies and a decrease of subtotal resections, the rates for postoperative hypoparathyroidism and vocal cord palsy have decreased. The complication rates for total thyroidectomy, however, are still higher compared to subtotal resection. An individualized risk-oriented surgical approach is warranted.

Nodular recurrence and hypothyroidism following partial thyroidectomy for benign nodular thyroid disease in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Diagnostic and therapeutic processing of a thyroid nodule in children and adolescents may require lobectomy-isthmusectomy (LI) or nodule-resection (NR). Very few data in the literature report the long-term evolution of the remaining thyroid lobe in a defined pediatric population. In this study, we aimed to answer the following questions: Does a nodule recurrence occur in the remainder lobe? Is a post-operative thyroxine treatment necessary?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study describes 28 patients under 18 who underwent LI (22 cases) or NR (6 cases) from January 2004 to March 2012. Ten of them were lost to follow up, 18 could be assessed (4 NR (22%) and 14 LI (78%) - mean follow-up 45±31 months). All patients benefited of post-operative thyroid ultrasonography, and regular endocrinologic follow-up. The following data were analysed: emergence of new thyroid nodules, evolution of pre-existing nodules, occurrence of post-operative hypothyroidism and requirement for completion thyroidectomy.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.3±1.9 years. Two patients (11%) had pre-existing nodules in the remaining thyroid gland, none of which showed an increase in size after surgery. De novo nodules developed in five patients (27.8%). Three patients who underwent LI (21.4%) needed thyroxine treatment for post-operative hypothyroidism. One patient (5.5%) needed completion thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this children and adolescents population, after performing LI or NR, remaining thyroid tissue stays free of nodules in 72.2% of the cases. A post-operative thyroxin treatment is necessary in 21.4% of cases after LI.

The cost of vocal fold paralysis after thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To determine the added cost of care and analyze risk factors in patients who suffered vocal fold paralysis (VFP) after thyroid surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients who developed unilateral or bilateral VFP after thyroidectomy from 2005 through 2009, and a control group of 238 patients who underwent the same surgery without developing VFP, were compared on hospital charges, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), unplanned intubation, tracheotomies, respiratory failure, readmission, death, pathology, body mass index (BMI), gland weight, swallowing studies, and need for indwelling feeding tube. Differences between outcomes for unilateral VFP patients versus bilateral VFP patients were analyzed. Rate of recovery of VFP and need for further surgery after thyroidectomy were described.

RESULTS

Patients who developed VFP after thyroidectomy had significantly greater rates of all the parameters listed above. BMI, gland weight, and pathology (malignant vs. benign) were not significantly different between the two groups. VFP group underwent additional surgeries after thyroidectomy related to the VFP. Thirty-three% of unilateral VFP patients with long-term follow-up recovered fully. Patients with bilateral VFP with long-term follow-up, had recovery of one vocal fold in 50% and both in 23% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with unilateral or bilateral VFP after thyroidectomy experience significantly more morbidity and incurred significantly more health care charges after surgery than similar patients who do not have VFP after thyroidectomy. The likelihood of VFP was not related to malignancy, BMI, or thyroid gland weight in this series.

Unilateral thyroidectomy for the treatment of benign multinodular goiter

BACKGROUND

Benign multinodular goiter (MNG) is one of the most commonly treated thyroid disorders. Although bilateral resection is the accepted surgical treatment for bilateral MNG, the appropriate surgical resection for unilateral MNG continues to be debated. Bilateral resection generally has lower recurrence rates but higher complication rates than unilateral resection. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to define the recurrence and complication rates of unilateral and bilateral resections to determine the appropriate intervention for patients with unilateral, benign MNG.

METHODS

We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent a thyroidectomy for treatment of benign MNG at a single institution between May 1994 and December 2011. All patients with bilateral MNG were treated with bilateral resection. Surgical treatment for unilateral MNG was determined by surgeon preference, with all but one surgeon opting for unilateral resection to treat unilateral MNG. Data were reported as means ± standard error of the mean. Chi-squared analysis was used to determine statistical significance at a level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 683 patients underwent thyroidectomy for MNG. Of these patients, 420 (61%) underwent unilateral resection and 263 patients (39%) underwent total thyroidectomy. The mean age was 52 ± 17 y, and 542 patients (79%) were female. The mean follow-up time was 46.1 ± 1.9 mo. The rate of recurrent disease was similar between unilateral (2%, n = 10) and bilateral (1%, n = 3) resections (P = 0.248). Unilateral resection patients had a lower total complication rate than patients with bilateral resections (8% versus 26%, P < 0.001); however, there was no difference in the rate of permanent complications (0.2% versus 1%, P = 0.133). Thyroid hormone replacement was rare in unilateral resection patients but necessary in all patients with bilateral resection (19% versus 100%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients that had unilateral resections endured less overall morbidities than those who had bilateral resections, and their risk of recurrent disease was similar. They were also significantly less likely to require lifelong hormone replacement therapy postoperatively. Although bilateral resection remains the recommended treatment for bilateral MNG, these data strongly support the use of unilateral thyroidectomy for the treatment of unilateral, benign MNG.

A randomized trial of hemithyroidectomy versus Dunhill for the surgical management of asymmetrical multinodular goiter

OBJECTIVE

To assess the immediate and long-term clinical results of 2 different surgical procedures for the treatment of asymmetrical multinodular goiter (AMG).

BACKGROUND

Half of the patients presenting with a single benign thyroid nodule have contralateral subclinical disease. There is a controversy whether these patients should be treated with hemithyroidectomy (HMT) or with a more extensive procedure.

METHODS

Adult patients with a benign unilateral dominant nodule and contralateral nodule(s) with a diameter of less than 10 mm detected on neck ultrasonography were randomized to HMT or Dunhill (DUN). Rates of complications, remnant growth, incidental carcinoma, and reoperation were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients (F/M:110/8, mean age 43 years) were included and randomized: 65 to HMT and 53 to DUN. After randomization, 28 patients were excluded leaving 47 HMT and 43 DUN long-term (55 ± 35 months) evaluable patients. Mean nodule size was 38 and 6 mm for the dominant and contralateral nodules, respectively. No differences were found in operative time, accidental parathyroidectomy, parathyroid autotransplantation, or wound complications. Transient hypocalcemia was more common in DUN (30% vs 8%; P < 0.001). No permanent complications were observed. At the last follow-up visit, thyroid-stimulating hormone was similar in both groups. Remnant growth (20 vs 0%; P < 0.001), appearance of new nodules (55 vs 14%; P < 0.001), and overall reoperation rate (9.2 vs 1.8%, P = 0.2) were more common in HMT, mostly because of undiagnosed cancer requiring completion thyroidectomy. Thirty percent of HMTs developed hypothyroidism and required long-term T4 supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

DUN appears superior to HMT for the treatment of AMG in terms of early reoperation for missed carcinomas and disease progression. Both procedures have a similarly uneventful postoperative course.