Central neck dissection

Risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

and Objectives: Hypocalcemia is a commonly reported complication after thyroid surgery. Many possible risk factors have been identified. The purpose of this study is to analyze various risk factors possibly associated with development of postoperative hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery by dividing the sample population into postoperative hypocalcemia and normal calcium groups.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Multiple centers in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia that were obtained for analysis include patient factors, perioperative blood parameters factors, disease-related factors, and surgical factors. Postoperative hypocalcemia was defined as a reduction of the total calcium level to <8.0 mg/dL. Hypocalcemic and normocalcemic patients were compared by multivariate logistic regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Distinguish independent risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.

SAMPLE SIZE

215 patients.

RESULTS

The incidence of hypocalcemia was 52.1% (112 of 215 patients). According to multivariate analysis, statistically significant risk factors for predicting postoperative hypocalcemia included postoperative parathyroid hormone level <10 pg/dL, inadvertent parathyroid gland resection, and neck dissection surgeries.

CONCLUSION

The causes of postoperative hypocalcemia are multi-factorial. Because many of these factors are modifiable, they should be identified postoperatively to distinguish high-risk groups and implement early preventive measures.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective with a relatively small size. We encourage additional prospective studies with a larger sample size in multiple regions of the country, which might reveal further significant results.

Risk factors and effects of hypocalcemia prior to discharge following thyroidectomy

PURPOSE

To find patient and surgical characteristics associated with hypocalcemia prior to discharge (HPTD) in thyroidectomy patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of the 2016-2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, eligible total thyroidectomy patients were stratified into cohorts based on development of HPTD. We identified demographic and surgical risk factors for the development of hypocalcemia via binary logistic regression and identified the negative sequelae of HPTD utilizing univariate and multivariate methods.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 6519 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, of which 450 (6.9%) had HPTD. Predictors associated with an increased incidence of HPTD included female sex (OR: 1.737 [95% CI: 1.319-2.288]; p < .001), increased operative time (OR: 1.003 [1.002-1.004]; p < .001), and central neck dissection (OR: 1.484 [1.190-1.850]; p < .001). However, factors that decreased incidence of HPTD included increased age, obesity (OR: 0.648 [0.501-0.837]; p = .001), and the use of vessel sealant devices (VSD) (OR: 0.650 [0.527-0.803]; p < .001). Multivariate analysis further revealed that HPTD independently led to an increased hospitalization length after surgery (B: 0.708 [0.607-0.809]; p < .001) and an increased 30-day readmission rate (OR: 2.429 [1.594-3.704]; p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Obesity, increased age, and intra-operative VSD use were significantly associated with decreased rates of HPTD after total thyroidectomy. Female sex, longer operations, and central neck dissections were associated with HPTD. Delineating risk factors and protective factors for HPTD in total thyroidectomy patients is important as patients with HPTD were found to be at a significantly higher risk for longer post-operative stays, increased odds of 30-day readmission, and increased hypocalcemia-related event.

The Role of Central Neck Lymph Node Dissection in the Management of Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy, and cervical nodal metastases are frequent at presentation. The most common site for nodal metastases from PTC is the central compartment of the ipsilateral neck in the paratracheal and pretracheal regions. The decision to resect these lymph nodes at the time of thyroidectomy often depends on if nodes with suspected malignancy can be identified preoperatively. If nodal spread to the central neck nodes is known, then the consensus is to remove all nodes in this area. However, there remains significant controversy regarding the utility of removing central neck lymph nodes for prophylactic reasons. Herein, we review the potential utility of central neck lymph node dissection as well as the risks of performing this procedure. As well, we review the potential of molecular testing to stratify patients who would most benefit from this procedure. We advocate a selective approach in which patients undergo clinical neck examination coupled with ultrasound to detect any concerning lymph nodes that warrant additional evaluation with either fine needle aspiration or excisional biopsy in the operating room. In lieu of clinical lymphadenopathy, we suggest the use of patient and disease characteristics as identified by multiple groups, such as the American Thyroid Association and European Society of Endocrine Surgeons, which include extremes of ages, large primary tumor size, and male gender, when deciding to perform central neck lymph node dissection. Patients should be educated on the potential long-terms risks versus the lack of known long-term benefits.

Efficacy of Superselective Neck Dissection in Detecting Metastasis in Patients with cN0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma at High Risk of Lateral Neck Metastasis

Background

This study aimed to evaluate superselective neck dissection (SSND) in patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) at high risk of lateral cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis.

Material/Methods

This study enrolled 138 patients with PTC who underwent SSND. These patients were at high risk for LN metastasis and the rate of cervical LN metastasis was recorded.

Results

In all, 146 lateral neck dissections were performed in 138 patients. Intraoperative pathological data revealed LN metastasis from 55 cases, for which Level II and V dissection were performed. Ninety SSNDs were performed in the other 83 patients without metastasis identified in frozen sections. Occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM) rates were 56.8% and 43.5% in the central compartment and lateral neck, respectively. OLNM rates of Level II–VI were 17.8%, 31.5%, 36.3%, 1.4%, and 56.8%, respectively. Level VI metastasis (p<0.001), extra thyroidal extension (p=0.003), and tumor size (p=0.011) were significant factors for lateral neck LN metastasis.

Conclusions

SSND might be effective for early diagnosis of lateral neck metastases of PTC. Patients with OLNM should receive level II, III, and IV dissection, but level V dissection could be omitted.