A systematic review and meta-analysis of total thyroidectomy versus bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' disease

An Ultrasound-based Prediction Model for Occult Contralateral Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Adolescents and Young Adults

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the occult contralateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)-associated ultrasound (US) and clinical characteristics and establish a US-based model for the prediction of occult contralateral carcinoma in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who were diagnosed with unilateral thyroid carcinoma preoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2015 to December 2020, patients who were diagnosed with unilateral thyroid carcinoma by preoperative US examination and underwent total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy with more than 60 months of US follow-up at our hospital were retrospectively collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify the independent risk factors associated with occult contralateral PTC in AYAs, on which a prediction model was developed. The performance of the model was evaluated with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Occult contralateral PTC was found in 91 of 365 (24.9%) PTC patients with a median age at diagnosis of 26 years (interquartile range, 24-29 years). The multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of contralateral benign nodule, intra-tumoral calcification, and intraglandular dissemination were significantly associated with occult contralateral PTC in AYAs. The prediction model, which incorporated all independent predictors, yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .661 (95% CI: .602-.719). The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 67.9%, 54.9%, and 72.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The US-based prediction model proposed here exhibited a favorable performance for predicting occult contralateral PTC, which might be used to determine the appropriate extent of surgery for AYAs who had a preoperative diagnosis of unilateral thyroid carcinoma.

Precision Medicine in Graves' Disease and Ophthalmopathy

Graves’ disease (GD) is a condition caused by an autoimmune process involving the thyroid gland, whose main outcome is hyperthyroidism. TSAb start the autoimmune process stimulating the overproduction of thyroid hormones. In addition, TSAb can stimulate TSH-R expressed in fibroblasts and orbital pre-adipocytes leading to the manifestation of Graves’ ophtalmopathy (GO). Also, autoantibodies directed against IGF-1R have an important role in immune-pathogenesis of GO. Fundamental is the role played by cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, Il-6), and Th1 chemokines in the immune-pathogenesis of both disorders, particularly in the active phase. Novel discoveries in the field led to the investigation of promising therapies, such as immune-therapies towards specific antigens (for example against TSH-R), aiming in restoring the immune tolerance versus the immune dominant epitopes associated with autoimmunity in GD. Moreover, Etanercept (that blocks the TNF-mediated inflammatory responses), TCZ (that acts against the IL-6 receptor), and RTX (that acts against CD20) have proven to be useful and safe therapeutic options in refractory GO treatment. Furthermore, teprotumumab (a human monoclonal anti-IGF-1R blocking antibody), have been revealed effective in the treatment of patients with moderate-severe GO and it is now approved for GO therapy in United States. Molecules able to act as antagonists of CXCR3, or to block CXCL10, are also under study. More extensive researches are needed to deepen out these drugs as well as to identify new targeted and effective therapies, that will permit a more precise identification of GD, or GO, patients able to respond to specific targeted therapies.

Secular Trends in Ablation Therapy for Graves' Disease: An Analysis of a 15-Year Experience at a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea

Ablation therapy, such as radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy or thyroidectomy, is generally used as the second-line treatment for Graves' disease (GD) in Asia. This study investigated changes in the clinical characteristics and outcomes of ablation therapies for GD over 15 years. Patients who underwent ablation therapy between 2001 and 2015 at a single tertiary hospital were included. Among the 10,991 GD patients treated over this 15-year period, 1357 (12.3%) underwent ablation therapy, and the most common reason was intractable GD. The proportion of patients who underwent any type of ablation therapy significantly decreased from 9.0% (2001-2005) to 7.7% (2011-2015). However, the proportion of patients who underwent surgery significantly increased from 1.1% (2001-2005) to 2.4% (2011-2015), and the proportion of patients who received ablation therapy due to suspected thyroid cancer increased from 5% to 13% over time. With a median follow-up duration of 6.2 years, remission was achieved in 86% and 98% of patients in the RAI and surgery groups, respectively, and these rates remained stable over time. In conclusion, although the proportion of patients who underwent ablation therapy for GD decreased during 15 years, the proportion of those who underwent surgery increased in association with the increased rate of suspected thyroid cancers.

Practice patterns and outcomes in the management of Thai patients with Graves' disease

BACKGROUND

The treatment of hyperthyroid Graves' disease (GD) varies considerably among geographic areas. In this study, we aimed to evaluate practice patterns and treatment outcomes in Thai patients with hyperthyroid GD.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study over 35 years (1985-2019) in patients with hyperthyroid GD was conducted. The trends of treatment options were compared periodically during the study period and the overall remission rate from each option was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 2736 hyperthyroid GD patients were treated and followed-up for at least 3 months over the study period (female 82.0%, mean age at diagnosis 36.3 ± 12.0 years, median duration of follow-up 74.5 months). Anti-thyroid drug (ATD) was the most commonly used treatment (78.0%), followed by RAI (21.0%), and surgery (1.0%). There was a significant downward trend for surgery, from 12.3% in the 1980s to only 0.2% in last phase of the study period. The preference for RAI therapy has also decreased in the last 5 years. Among ATD-treated patients, the remission rate was achieved only in 30.7 and 16.0% of all ATD-treated patients were eventually treated with RAI. Spontaneous hypothyroidism developed in 2.7% of the ATD-treated patients during a follow-up period. Almost all RAI-treated patients (97.1%) developed hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present study highlighted the changing landscape of primary treatments for hyperthyroid GD toward ATD and the sharp downward trend in the surgical option. Even though ATD was associated with a low remission rate, it was preferred by many patients and physicians. The use of RAI as the primary treatment decreased in the last decade. However, RAI was a very effective treatment for Graves' hyperthyroidism but will inevitably induce hypothyroidism and a requirement for life-long replacement therapy.

Graves' orbitopathy: a multidisciplinary approach

Orbitopathy is the main extra thyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. It is a very challenging condition, which requires a cooperation between many specialists (endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, radiotherapeutic, orbital surgeons) for an optimal clinical management. An accurate diagnostic assessment is required, in order to plan an adequate treatment of Graves' orbitopathy. Medical therapy, radiotherapy or surgery may be necessary to control the disease. In this review, the authors analyze the various therapeutic strategies, as well the more recent therapies based on pharmacologic immunomodulation.

Short-Term Outcomes of Surgery for Graves' Disease in Germany

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of Graves' disease (GD) has a potentially increased incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) and bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current extent of surgery for the treatment of GD and its safety as a short-term outcome.

METHODS

Patients who underwent thyroid resection for GD were identified from the prospective StuDoQ/Thyroid registry. Patient data were retrospectively analyzed regarding demographics, surgical procedures and perioperative outcomes. Statistics were performed with Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 1808 patients with GD with a median age of 44 (range 14-85) years were enrolled in a 25-month period by 78 departments, of which 35.7% (n = 645) had an endocrine orbitopathy and 0.1% (n = 6) had thyrotoxic crisis. Conventional open surgery was used in 98.6% of cases and minimally invasive or remote-access approaches were used in 1.4%. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 93.4% of cases (n = 1688). Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was used in 98.9% (n = 1789) of procedures. In 98.3% (n = 1777) at least one parathyroid gland was visualized and in 20.7% (n = 375) parathyroids were autografted. The rates of unilateral and bilateral transient RLNP were 3.9% (n = 134/3429 nerves at risk) and 0.1% (n = 4/3429 NAR). The rates of transient RLNP tended to be higher when intermittent IONM was used compared to continuous IONM (4.1% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.059). The rate of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism was overall 29% (n = 525/1808). Multivariate analysis revealed fewer than 300 thyroid resections and fewer than 15 thyroid resections for GD per year, male sex, BMI > 30, autotransplantation of parathyroid glands and previous bilateral thyroid surgery as independent risk factors for postoperative temporary hypoparathyroidism. Reoperations for bleeding (1.3%) were rare.

CONCLUSION

Total thyroidectomy with IONM is safe and currently the most common surgical therapy for GD in Germany. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is the major complication which should be focused on.

Truncal vs Branch Ligation of Inferior Thyroid Arteries in Total Thyroidectomy: Does It Affect Postoperative Hypoparathyroidism?

OBJECTIVE

Postthyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism remains a significant challenge. Truncal ligation of the inferior thyroid arteries (ITAs) may lead to an increased risk of hypoparathyroidism; however, dissection along the thyroid capsule with branch ligation of the thyroid arteries could be a safer option. This study's objective was to compare the effect of truncal versus branch ligation of the ITAs on the rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized prospective trial in line with the CONSORT guidelines.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary care setting.

METHODS

We randomized 319 patients into 2 groups: truncal ITA ligation (n = 157) and branch ITA ligation (n = 162). The primary outcomes were serum calcium and parathormone levels on the second postoperative day, followed by the levels on months 1, 3, 6, and 12. The need for exogenous replacements was noted. The secondary outcomes, such as operative time, blood loss, and other complications, were also recorded.

RESULTS

Our study revealed a significant difference in the incidence of transient hypocalcemia in patients undergoing truncal ITA ligation and branch ITA ligation (22.9% vs 3.1%, P < .05). The results showed that the levels of serum calcium and parathormone dropped on the second postoperative day and that 36 patients from the truncal ITA ligation group required exogenous calcium and vitamin D replacement. In contrast, only 5 patients from the branch ITA ligation group required the same.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest randomized trial of patients undergoing thyroidectomy, and it shows that dissection along the thyroid capsule with branch ligation of the ITAs is more likely to preserve parathyroid function as opposed to truncal ligation of ITAs.

Current controversies in the management of Graves' hyperthyroidism

Introduction: The management of Graves' disease centers on the use of effective and well-established therapies, namely thionamide antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and thyroidectomy. Optimal treatment strategies are however controversial and vary significantly across centers.Areas covered: This review addresses specific controversies in Graves' disease management including the choice of primary therapy, the approach to women planning pregnancy, and optimal strategies for antithyroid drug and radioiodine therapy.Expert opinion: Important considerations in choosing therapy include treatment efficacy, adverse effects, patient convenience, and resource settings. Recent data suggest that early and effective control of hyperthyroidism is key to improving cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies addressing cancer risk in radioiodine-treated patients face methodological challenges and require clarification in appropriately designed studies. Remission rates with antithyroid drugs are comparable when thionamides are used alone (titration-regimen) or in combination with levothyroxine (block and replace) and can be optimized by extending treatment for at least 12-18 months. Fixed and calculated radioiodine activity regimens are both effective but entail a trade-off between convenience and precision in the administered activity. Optimal preconception strategies are still evolving but ablative treatment in advance of pregnancy offers the most pragmatic means of reducing adverse effects of hyperthyroidism in subsequent pregnancy.

Total Versus Near-total Thyroidectomy in Graves Disease: Results of the Randomized Controlled Multicenter TONIG-trial

BACKGROUND

Previous data suggest that the incidence of hypoparathyroidism after surgery for Graves disease (GD) is lower after subtotal thyroidectomy compared to total thyroidectomy (TT). The present study evaluated the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism after near-total (NTT) versus TT in GD.

METHODS/DESIGN

In a multicenter prospective randomized controlled clinical trial, patients with GD were randomized intraoperatively to NTT or TT. Primary endpoint was the incidence of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Secondary endpoints were permanent hypoparathyroidism, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP), reoperations for bleeding, inadvertently removed parathyroid glands, and recurrent hyperthyroidism after 12 months.

RESULTS

Eighteen centers randomized 205 patients to either TT (n = 102) or NTT (n = 103) within 16 months. According to intention-to-treat postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism occurred in 19% (20/103) patients after NTT and in 21% (21 of 102) patients after TT (P = 0.84), which persisted >6 months in 2% and 5% of the NTT and TT groups (P = 0.34). The rates of parathyroid autotransplantation (NTT 24% vs TT 28%, P = 0.50) and transient RLNP (NTT 3% vs TT 4%, P = 0.35) was similar in both groups. The rate of reoperations for bleeding tended to be higher in the NTT group (3% vs 0%, P = 0.07) and the rate of inadvertently removed parathyroid glands was significantly higher after NTT (13% vs 3%, P = 0.01). An existing endocrine orbitopathy improved in 35% and 24% after NTT and TT (P = 0.61). Recurrent disease occurred in only 1 patient after TT (P = 0.34).

CONCLUSION

NTT for GD is not superior to TT regarding transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Recurrent thyrotoxicosis following near-total thyroidectomy

Total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism is usually curative. We report the unusual recurrence of thyrotoxicosis following a near-total thyroidectomy. The patient, a 27-year-old woman, elected to have a total thyroidectomy and began levothyroxine after the procedure. Approximately 2 years later, recurrent thyrotoxicosis was evident off levothyroxine. Vascularized thyroid tissue was noted on ultrasound, and a radioactive iodine scan indicated increased uptake in the right thyroid region. She began antithyroid medication and was subsequently treated with radioactive iodine once a euthyroid state was achieved. We discuss the implications of this rare scenario-recurrence of thyrotoxicosis after near-total thyroidectomy.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Thyroid Surgery: An Efficient Tool to Avoid Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze the effects of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) on the prevalence of vocal cord palsy (VCP) in thyroid surgery.

METHODS

Data from 493 patients (839 nerves at risk [NAR]) who underwent thyroid surgery between July 2014 and May 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (G1) consisted of patients who underwent surgery without IONM, whereas group 2 (G2) consisted of patients who underwent surgery with IONM. The surgical techniques were identical, and experienced surgeons performed the procedures in both groups. Intraoperative neuromonitoring was performed in compliance with the International Neural Monitoring Guidelines.

RESULTS

In total, 211 patients (170 female, 41 male) with 360 NAR were included in G1, and 282 patients (220 female, 62 male) with 479 NAR were included in G2. The number of VCP per NAR in G1 and G2 was 33 (9.2%) and 27 (5.6%), respectively (P = .005). The number of transient VCP per NAR in G1 and G2 was 27 (7.5%) and 23 (4.8%; P = .230), respectively. The number of permanent VCP per NAR in G1 and G2 was 6 (1.7%) and 4 (0.8%; P = .341), respectively. Bilateral VCP was detected in 4 (2.7%) patients in G1, whereas there was no patient with bilateral VCP in G2 (P = .033).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative neuromonitoring may decrease the incidence of total VCP and prevent the development of bilateral VCP, which has unfavorable results for both patients and health-care professionals.

Graves' disease: Clinical manifestations, immune pathogenesis (cytokines and chemokines) and therapy

Graves' disease (GD) is characterized by thyrotoxicosis, caused by the presence of circulating thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAb), that are determinant also in the pathogenesis of its extrathyroidal manifestations [Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), pretibial myxedema]. T helper (Th)1 immune response prevails in the immune-pathogenesis of GD and GO, during the active phase, when Th1 chemokines, and their (C-X-C)R3 receptor, play a key role. In GD, the existing treatments are not ideal for hyperthyroidism (long-term remission with anti-thyroid-drugs only in 50% of patients; while radioiodine and surgery cause hypothyroidism). In GD, antigen-specific therapy has been recently published, with the induction of T cell tolerance via an immunization by TSH-R peptides. In GO, rituximab and drugs targeting cytokines have been evaluated. Furthermore, teprotumumab (a human monoclonal anti-IGF-1R blocking antibody) showed to be very effective in GO patients. Further researches are necessary to identify novel effective therapies targeting GD, or GO.

Factors contributing to unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery

Unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery has an incidence ranging between 1% and 31% across institutions. Many studies have identified malignancy and central neck dissection as risk factors for losing parathyroid glands, but few studies have evaluated the impact of other factors such as lymphocytic thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, or concomitant primary hyperparathyroidism. The purpose of this study was to investigate which factors contribute to parathyroid loss during thyroid surgery. Charts of 269 patients undergoing thyroid surgery at a tertiary care medical center from 2010 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-six patients (24.5%) experienced unintentional parathyroidectomy. Bivariate analysis showed no significant differences in patient characteristics. Patients with unintentional parathyroid removal had a significantly smaller largest thyroid nodule size (P = 0.002), higher rate of central neck dissection (30.3% vs 7.9%, P < 0.0001), and higher rate of malignancy (50% vs 36.0%, P = 0.04). Multivariable analysis showed that the strongest risk factor for unintentional parathyroidectomy was central neck dissection (P = 0.0008; odds ratio 4.72, confidence interval 1.91-11.71). In conclusion, central neck dissection for thyroid malignancy is the strongest risk factor for unintentional thyroidectomy. The presence of concomitant primary hyperparathyroidism, lymphocytic thyroiditis, or hyperthyroidism did not appear to increase the risk of unintentional parathyroidectomy.

Treatment of patients with Graves' disease and the appropriate extent of thyroidectomy

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by thyroid stimulating auto-antibodies directed against the thyrotropin receptor on thyroid follicular cells. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is associated with cardiovascular, ophthalmologic and other systemic manifestations. Three treatment options are available for Graves' disease: anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy. While thyroidectomy is the least common option used for treatment of Graves' disease, it is preferentially indicated for patients with a large goiter causing compressive symptoms, suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules or significant ophthalmopathy. The best operation for Graves' disease has been a matter of debate. The standard operation was a subtotal thyroidectomy for much of the twentieth century, however, over the past 20 years total thyroidectomy has been increasingly performed. Herein, we provide a historical perspective and review the current literature, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses and conclude that total thyroidectomy is the preferred option for the surgical treatment of Graves' disease, with a nearly 0% recurrence rate, predictable postoperative hypothyroidism and a low complication rate comparable to subtotal thyroidectomy when performed by high-volume thyroid surgeons.

Considerations for Thyroidectomy as Treatment for Graves Disease

Hyperthyroidism is a clinical state that results from abnormally elevated thyroid hormones. Thyroid gland affects many organ systems; therefore, patients usually present with multiple clinical manifestations that involve many organ systems such as the nervous, cardiovascular, muscular, and endocrine system as well as skin manifestations. Hyperthyroidism is most commonly caused by Graves disease, which is caused by autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TRAb). Other causes of hyperthyroidism include toxic multinodular goiter, toxic single adenoma, and thyroiditis. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be established by measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which will be suppressed with either elevated free T4 and/or T3 (overt hyperthyroidism) or normal free T3 and T4 (subclinical hyperthyroidism). Hyperthyroidism can be treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), radioactive iodine (RAI), or thyroidectomy. ATDs have a higher replacement rate when compared with RAI or thyroidectomy. Recent evidence has shown that thyroidectomy is a very effective, safe treatment modality for hyperthyroidism and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. This review article provides some of the most recent evidence on diagnosing and treating patients with hyperthyroidism.

Treatment of adult Graves' disease

Treatment strategy in Graves' disease firstly requires recovery of euthyroid status by antithyroid therapy. Treatment modalities, precautions, advantages and side-effects are to be discussed with the patient. No particular treatment modality has demonstrated superiority. Pregnancy or pregnancy project affects choice of treatment and monitoring. Graves' orbitopathy is liable to be aggravated by iodine-131 treatment and requires pre-treatment assessment. Iodine-131 treatment aims at achieving hypothyroidism. Thyroid surgery for Graves' disease should preferably be performed by an expert team. In case of recurrence of hyperthyroidism, the various treatment options should be discussed with the patient. Empiric treatment of thyroid dermopathy uses local corticosteroids in occlusive dressing.

Babu MJ, Menon R, Jacob P. Preoperative Preparation of Hyperthyroidism for Thyroidectomy - Role of Supersaturated Iodine and Lithium Carbonate

INTRODUCTION

Thyroidectomy is effective and safe procedure for permanent cure of hyperthyroidism (HT). Iodine preparations are widely used before operation to prevent excess blood loss. Ideal regimen for refractory HT is debated. This retrospective case-control study is designed to study the efficacy of various regimens of preoperative preparations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Case records, anesthesia charts, and follow-up details of hyperthyroid patients undergoing thyroidectomy were reviewed and compared with an age- and sex-matched euthyroid patients operated during the same period. Iodine preparations were not used for preoperative preparation. Study group was subdivided based on preoperative regimens of anti-thyroid medications.

RESULTS

Of the 168 patients in the study group, procedure time, duration of hospital stay, and overall complication rate were high compared to euthyroid group. Operative blood loss was not high in the study group. There was no difference in rate of complications in the subgroups of the study cohort.

CONCLUSION

Iodine preparations are not mandatory in preoperative preparation of HT. Lithium carbonate is effective in preoperative preparation of refractory HT. Rate of postthyroidectomy complications is not different in patients receiving thionamides alone or in combination with β-blocker.

Mortality in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Permanent hypoparathyroidism remains the most common adverse outcome after total thyroidectomy, but long-term effects of hypoparathyroidism are unknown. The aim was to investigate mortality in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy.

METHODS

Data from the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Surgery were linked with the Swedish National Prescription Register for Pharmaceuticals and the Swedish National Inpatient Register. Patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2014 for benign thyroid disease, and who used active vitamin D for at least 6 months after surgery, were classified as having permanent hypoparathyroidism and included in the study cohort. Risk of death was assessed using Cox regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, thyrotoxicosis and co-morbidity.

RESULTS

There were 4899 patients, with a mean(s.d.) age of 46·3(15·8) years; 83·1 per cent were women, and 2932 patients (59·8 per cent) had thyrotoxicosis. In all, 246 patients (5·2 per cent) were classified as having permanent hypoparathyroidism. Mean(s.d.) follow-up was 4·4(2·4) years, and 109 patients (2·2 per cent) died during follow-up. Compared with patients without permanent hypoparathyroidism, the risk of death was significantly higher among patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy (adjusted hazard ratio 2·09, 95 per cent c.i. 1·04 to 4·20).

CONCLUSION

Permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy for benign disease is common and associated with an increased risk of death.

Risk profile analysis and complications after surgery for autoimmune thyroid disease

BACKGROUND

Surgical approaches to autoimmune thyroid disease are currently hampered by concerns over postoperative complications. Risk profiles and incidences of postoperative complications have not been investigated systematically, and studies with sufficient power to show valid data have not been performed.

METHODS

A prospective multicentre European study was conducted between July 2010 and December 2012. Questionnaires were used to collect data prospectively on patients who had surgery for autoimmune thyroid disease and the findings were compared with those of patients undergoing surgery for multinodular goitre. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors for thyroid surgery-specific complications, transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and hypoparathyroidism.

RESULTS

Data were available for 22 011 patients, of whom 18 955 were eligible for analysis (2488 who had surgery for autoimmune thyroid disease and 16 467 for multinodular goitre). Surgery for multinodular goitre and that for autoimmune thyroid disease did not differ significantly with regard to general complications. With regard to thyroid surgery-specific complications, the rate of temporary and permanent vocal cord palsy ranged from 2·7 to 6·7 per cent (P = 0·623) and from 0·0 to 1·4 per cent (P = 0·600) respectively, whereas the range for temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism was 12·9 to 20·0 per cent (P < 0·001) and 0·0 to 7·0 per cent (P < 0·001) respectively. In logistic regression analysis of transient and permanent vocal cord palsy, autoimmune thyroid disease was not an independent risk factor. Autoimmune thyroid disease, extent of thyroid resection, number of identified parathyroid glands and no autotransplantation were identified as independent risk factors for both transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for autoimmune thyroid disease is safe in comparison with surgery for multinodular goitre in terms of general complications and RLN palsy. To avoid the increased risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, special attention needs to be paid to the parathyroid glands.

The long-term outcomes of thyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' hyperthyroidism

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of Graves' disease (GD) is changing from subtotal to total thyroidectomy because the latter eliminates the risk of recurrence. However, to preserve thyroid function in a euthyroid state, subtotal thyroidectomy is still performed for GD in non-Western countries. Therefore, we designed a study to investigate the long-term outcomes in GD patients after subtotal thyroidectomy and the correlation between remnant weight and postoperative thyroid function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort observation study. Between January 2005 and December 2011, 415 consecutive GD patients treated by subtotal thyroidectomy were enrolled. All data were collected from 385 patients who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and 57 patients who underwent the Hartley-Dunhill operation. The median postoperative follow-up time was 72 months (range 12-144 months).

RESULTS

The mean weight of the preserved thyroid remnant was 5.1 g. Persistent or recurrent hyperthyroidism was observed in 119 (28.7%) patients. The median time of recurrence was 36 months (range 12-120 months). Hypothyroidism developed in over 50% of patients. A euthyroid state was achieved in only 19.3% of patients, and the rate did not increase significantly as remnant weight increased. Based on a Cox regression analysis, the remnant weight is an independent risk factor for persistent or recurrent hyperthyroidism (hazard ratio: 1.323, 95% confidence interval: 1.198-1.461, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Subtotal thyroidectomy with the intent to maintain a euthyroid state is not an optimal surgical strategy for the definitive treatment of GD because the persistence or recurrence rate is high and the euthyroid rate is lower than expected.

The experience of gasless endoscopic-assisted thyroidectomy via the anterior chest approach for Graves' disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, effectiveness, and cosmesis of a gasless endoscopic-assisted thyroidectomy via the anterior chest in patients with Graves' disease. We retrospectively reviewed 38 patients with Graves' disease treated with thyroidectomy from November 2007 to June 2015. We analyzed clinical characteristics of patients, type of operation, operative indications, operative duration, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. The thyroidectomies were classified as total thyroidectomy (n = 12) or near-total thyroidectomy with a remnant of <1 g (n = 26). Surgical indications were recurrence after antithyroid drugs (ATDs) and unwillingness to undergo radioiodine therapy (n = 27), local compressive symptoms (n = 2), adverse drug reactions to ATDs (n = 5), and patient's preference (n = 4). Mean resection weight was 71.7 ± 16.2 g (range 44-109 g), mean operative duration 87.7 ± 17.3 min (range 66-136 min), intraoperative blood loss 70.6 ± 11.3 mL (range 43-92 mL), and drainage was 42.0 ± 8.5 mL (range 20-62 mL). Temporary postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and temporary hypoparathyroidism occurred in 3 cases (7.89 %) each. Mean hospital stay was 2.5 ± 0.3 days (range 2-4 days). There was no recurrence of hyperthyroidism over the follow-up period of for 68.1 ± 5.6 months (range 6-89 months). All patients were satisfied with their cosmetic results. Gasless endoscopic-assisted thyroidectomy via the anterior chest approach for Graves' disease is a safe, feasible, and effective and provides an excellent cosmetic outcome procedure. It is a valid option in appropriately selected patients.

[Surgical assessment of complications after thyroid gland operations]

BACKGROUND

The extent, magnitude and technical equipment used for thyroid surgery has changed considerably in Germany during the last decade. The number of thyroidectomies due to benign goiter have decreased while the extent of thyroidectomy, nowadays preferentially total thyroidectomy, has increased. Due to an increased awareness of surgical complications the number of malpractice claims is increasing.

OBJECTIVES

In contrast to surgical databases the frequency of complications in malpractice claims reflects the individual impact of complications on the quality of life. In contrast to surgical databases unilateral and bilateral vocal fold palsy are therefore at the forefront of malpractice claims. As guidelines are often not applicable for the individual surgical expert review, the question arises which are the relevant criteria for the professional expert witness assessing the severity of the individual complication.

RESULTS

While in surgical databases major complications after thyroidectomy, such as vocal fold palsy, hypoparathyroidism, hemorrhage and infections are equally frequent (1-3 %), in malpractice claims vocal fold palsy is significantly more frequent (50 %) compared to hypoparathyroidism (15 %), hemorrhage and infections (about 5 % each). To avoid bilateral nerve palsy intraoperative nerve monitoring has become of utmost importance for surgical strategy and malpractice suits alike. For surgical expert review documentation of individual risk-oriented indications, the surgical approach and postoperative management are highly important.

CONCLUSION

Guidelines only define the treatment corridors of good clinical practice. Surgical expert reviews in malpractice suits concerning quality of care and causality between surgical management, complications and sequelae of complications are therefore highly dependent on the grounds and documentation of risk-oriented indications for thyroidectomy, intraoperative and postoperative surgical management.

Thyroid surgery for Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy

BACKGROUND

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease caused by the production of auto-antibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, which stimulates follicular cell production of thyroid hormone. It is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism and may cause considerable morbidity with increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory adverse events. Five per cent of people with Graves' disease develop moderate to severe Graves' ophthalmopathy. Thyroid surgery for Graves' disease commonly falls into one of three categories: 1) total thyroidectomy, which aims to achieve complete macroscopic removal of thyroid tissue; 2) bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, in which bilateral thyroid remnants are left; and 3) unilateral total and contralateral subtotal thyroidectomy, or the Dunhill procedure. Recent American Thyroid Association guidelines on treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism emphasised the role of surgery as one of the first-line treatments. Total thyroidectomy removes target tissue for the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody. It controls hyperthyroidism at the cost of lifelong thyroxine replacement. Subtotal thyroidectomy leaves a thyroid remnant and may be less likely to lead to complications, however a higher rate of recurrent hyperthyroidism is expected and revision surgery would be challenging. The choice of the thyroidectomy technique is currently largely a matter of surgeon preference, and a systematic review of the evidence base is required to determine which option offers the best outcomes for patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the optimal surgical technique for Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). The date of the last search was June 2015 for all databases. We did not apply any language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving participants with a diagnosis of Graves' disease based on clinical features and biochemical findings of hyperthyroidism were eligible for inclusion. Trials had to directly compare at least two surgical techniques of thyroidectomy. There was no age limit to study inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted and cross-checked the data for analysis, evaluation of risk of bias and establishment of 'Summary of findings' tables using the GRADE instrument. The senior review authors reviewed the data and reconciled disagreements.

MAIN RESULTS

We included five RCTs with a total of 886 participants; 172 were randomised to total thyroidectomy, 383 were randomised to bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, 309 were randomised to the Dunhill procedure and 22 were randomised to either bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy or the Dunhill procedure. Follow-up ranged between six months and six years. One trial had three comparison arms. All five trials were conducted in university hospitals or tertiary referral centres for thyroid disease. All thyroidectomies were performed by experienced surgeons. The overall quality of the evidence ranged from low to moderate. In all trials, blinding procedures were insufficiently described. Outcome assessment for objective outcomes was blinded in one trial. Surgeons were not blinded in any of the trials. One trial blinded participants. Attrition bias was a substantial problem in one trial, with 35% losses to follow-up. In one trial the analysis was not carried out on an intention-to-treat basis.Total thyroidectomy was more effective than subtotal thyroidectomy techniques (both bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and the Dunhill procedure) at preventing recurrent hyperthyroidism in 0/150 versus 11/200 participants (OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.46); P = 0.001; 2 trials; moderate quality evidence). Total thyroidectomy was also more effective than bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy at preventing recurrent hyperthyroidism in 0/150 versus 10/150 participants (odds ratio (OR) 0.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.44); P = 0.001; 2 trials; moderate quality evidence). Compared to bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, the Dunhill procedure was more likely to prevent recurrent hyperthyroidism in 20/283 versus 8/309 participants (OR 2.73 (95% CI 1.28 to 5.85); P = 0.01; 3 trials; low quality evidence). Total thyroidectomy compared with subtotal thyroidectomy conferred a greater risk of permanent hypocalcaemia/hypoparathyroidism in 8/172 versus 3/221 participants (OR 4.79 (95% CI 1.36 to 16.83); P = 0.01; 3 trials; low quality evidence). Effects of the various surgical techniques on permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and regression of Graves' ophthalmopathy were neutral. One death was reported in one study in year three of follow-up. No study investigated health-related quality of life or socioeconomic effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Total thyroidectomy is more effective than subtotal thyroidectomy (both bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and the Dunhill procedure) at preventing recurrent hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease. The type of surgery performed does not affect regression of Graves' ophthalmopathy. There was some evidence that total thyroidectomy compared with subtotal thyroidectomy conferred a greater risk of permanent hypocalcaemia/hypoparathyroidism, which however, was not seen in comparison with bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy did not seem to be affected by type of thyroidectomy. Health-related quality of life as a patient-important outcome measure should form a core determinant of any future trial on the effects of thyroid surgery for Graves' disease.

Use of quality assessment tools in systematic reviews was varied and inconsistent

OBJECTIVES

To assess the use of quality assessment tools among a cross-section of systematic reviews (SRs) and to further evaluate whether quality was used as a parameter in the decision to include primary studies within subsequent meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We searched PubMed for SRs (interventional, observational, and diagnostic) published in Core Clinical Journals between January 1 and March 31, 2014.

RESULTS

Three hundred nine SRs were identified. Quality assessment was undertaken in 222 (71.8%) with isolated use of the Cochrane risk of bias tool (26.1%, n = 58) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (15.3%, n = 34) most common. A threshold level of primary study quality for subsequent meta-analysis was used in 12.9% (40 of 309) of reviews. Overall, fifty-four combinations of quality assessment tools were identified with a similar preponderance of tools used among observational and interventional reviews. Multiple tools were used in 11.7% (n = 36) of SRs overall.

CONCLUSION

We found that quality assessment tools were used in a majority of SRs; however, a threshold level of quality for meta-analysis was stipulated in just 12.9% (n = 40). This cross-sectional analysis provides further evidence of the need for more active or intuitive editorial processes to enhance the reporting of SRs.

Thyroid surgery for treatment of Graves' disease complicated by ophthalmopathy: a comprehensive review

Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies directed against thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors leads to thyrotoxicosis. Graves' ophthalmopathy, a condition that occurs in up to half of GD patients, is a cause of significant morbidity and is potentially vision threatening. Three treatment options are equally effective for uncomplicated GD and these include thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine thyroid ablation and antithyroid drugs. However, recent practice surveys suggest that surgery is the least favored GD treatment. When GD is complicated by moderate-to-severe Graves' ophthalmopathy, antithyroid drugs and surgery are recommended by current guidelines, and again the preference for thyroid surgery in these cases has remained low. This report aims to review current published data regarding thyroidectomy as a treatment for GD, and in particular, we focus on the effects of thyroidectomy on Graves' ophthalmopathy development and progression.

Retrospective evaluation of the incidental finding of 403 papillary thyroid microcarcinomas in 2466 patients undergoing thyroid surgery for presumed benign thyroid disease

Background

The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in patients operated for benign thyroid diseases (BTD) and its relation to age, sex, extent of surgery and type of BTD.

Methods

Retrospective study of 2466 patients who underwent thyroid surgery for BTD from 2008 to 2013. To determine independent predictors for PTMC we used three separate multivariate logistic regression models (MLR).

Results

There were 2128 (86.3%) females and 338 (13.7%) males. PTMC was diagnosed in 345 (16.2%) females and 58 (17.2%) males. Age ranged from 14 to 85 years (mean 54 years). Sex and age were not related to the incidence of PTMC. The overall incidence of PTMC was 16.3%. The highest incidence was in Hashimoto thyroiditis (22.7%, χ² = 10.80, p < 0.001); and in patients with total/near-total thyroidectomy (17.7%, χ² = 7.05, p < 0.008). The lowest incidence (6.6%, χ² = 9.96, p < 0.001) was in a solitary hyperfunctional thyroid nodule (SHTN). According to MLR, Hashimoto thyroiditis (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15-2.05, p < 0.003) and SHTN (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.87, p < 0.019) are independent predictors. Since the extent of surgery was an independent predictor (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.10-1.92, p = 0.009) for all BTD, and sex and age were not; when the MLR model was adjusted for them, Graves disease (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.99, p < 0.041) also proved to be an independent predictor.

Conclusions

Sex and age are not statistically related to the incidence of PTMC in BTD. The incidence of PTMC is higher in Hashimoto thyroiditis and patients with total/near-total thyroidectomy; and lower in patients with a SHTN and Graves disease.

Total thyroidectomy as a method of choice in the treatment of Graves' disease - analysis of 1432 patients

Background

Graves’ disease represents an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland where surgery has an important role in its treatment. The aim of our paper was to analyze the results of surgical treatment, the frequency of microcarcinoma and carcinoma, as well as to compare surgical complications in relation to the various types of operations performed for Graves’ disease.

Methods

We analysed 1432 patients (221 male and 1211 female) who underwent surgery for Graves’ disease at the Centre for Endocrine Surgery in Belgrade during 15 years (1996–2010). Average age was 34.8 years. Frequency of surgical complications within the groups was analyzed with nonparametric Fisher’s test.

Results

Total thyroidectomy (TT) was performed in 974 (68%) patients, and Dunhill operation (D) in 221 (15.4). Carcinoma of thyroid gland was found in 146 patients (10.2%), of which 129 (9%) were a microcarcinoma. Complication rates were higher in the TT group, where there were 31 (3.2%) patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism, 9 (0.9%) patients with unilateral recurrent nerve paralysis and 10 (1.0%) patients with postoperative bleeding. Combined complications, such as permanent hypoparathyroidism with bleeding were more common in the D group where there were 2 patients (0,9%), while unilateral recurrent nerve paralysis with bleeding was more common in the TT group where there were 3 cases (0,3%).

Conclusions

Frequency of complications were not significantly statistically different in relation to the type of surgical procedure. Total thyroidectomy represents a safe and efficient method for treating patients with Graves’ disease, and it is not followed by a greater frequency of complications in relation to less extensive procedures.