Decision Regret Following the Choice of Surgery or Active Surveillance for Small, Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: It is important to understand cancer survivors' perceptions about their treatment decisions and quality of life. Methods: We performed a prospective observational cohort study of Canadian patients with small (<2 cm) low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who were offered the choice of active surveillance (AS) or surgery (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03271892). Participants completed a questionnaire one year after their treatment decision. The primary intention-to-treat analysis compared the mean decision regret scale total score between patients who chose AS or surgery. A secondary analysis examined one-year decision regret score according to treatment status. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, mood, fear of disease progression, and body image perception. We adjusted for age, sex, and follow-up duration in linear regression analyses. Results: The overall questionnaire response rate was 95.5% (191/200). The initial treatment choices of respondents were AS 79.1% (151/191) and surgery 20.9% (40/191). The mean age was 53 years (standard deviation [SD] 15 years) and 77% (147/191) were females. In the AS group, 7.3% (11/151) of patients crossed over to definitive treatment (two for disease progression) before the time of questionnaire completion. The mean level of decision regret did not differ significantly between patients who chose AS (mean 22.4, SD 13.9) or surgery (mean 20.9, SD 12.2) in crude (p = 0.730) or adjusted (p = 0.29) analyses. However, the adjusted level of decision regret was significantly higher in patients who initially chose AS and crossed over to surgery (beta coefficient 10.1 [confidence interval; CI 1.3-18.9], p = 0.02), compared with those remaining under AS. In secondary adjusted analyses, respondents who chose surgery reported that symptoms related to their cancer or its treatment interfered with life to a greater extent than those who chose AS (p = 0.02), but there were no significant group differences in the levels of depression, anxiety, fear of disease progression, or overall body image perception. Conclusions: In this study of patients with small, low-risk PTC, the mean level of decision regret pertaining to the initial disease management choice was relatively low after one year and it did not differ significantly for respondents who chose AS or surgery.

Training for excellence: using a multimodal videoconferencing platform to coach surgeons and improve intraoperative performance

INTRODUCTION

Continuing Professional Development opportunities for lifelong learning are fundamental to the acquisition of surgical expertise. However, few opportunities exist for longitudinal and structured learning to support the educational needs of surgeons in practice. While peer-to-peer coaching has been proposed as a potential solution, there remains significant logistical constraints and a lack of evidence to support its effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of remote videoconferencing for video-based coaching improves operative performance.

METHODS

Early career surgeon mentees participated in a remote coaching intervention with a surgeon coach of their choice and using a virtual telestration platform (Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, CA). Feedback was articulated through annotating videos. The coach evaluated mentee performance using a modified Intraoperative Performance Assessment Tool (IPAT). Participants completed a 5-point Likert scale on the educational value of the coaching program.

RESULTS

Eight surgeons were enrolled in the study, six of whom completed a total of two coaching sessions (baseline, 6-month). Subspecialties included endocrine, hepatopancreatobiliary, and surgical oncology. Mean age of participants was 39 (SD 3.3), with mean 5 (SD 4.1) years in independent practice. Total IPAT scores increased significantly from the first session (mean 47.0, SD 1.9) to the second session (mean 51.8, SD 2.1), p = 0.03. Sub-category analysis showed a significant improvement in the Advanced Cognitive Skills domain with a mean of 33.2 (SD 2.5) versus a mean of 37.0 (SD 2.4), p < 0.01. There was no improvement in the psychomotor skills category. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the coaching programs can improve surgical performance and decision-making (coaches 85%; mentees 100%).

CONCLUSION

Remote surgical coaching is feasible and has educational value using ubiquitous commercially available virtual platforms. Logistical issues with scheduling and finding cases aligned with learning objectives continue to challenge program adoption and widespread dissemination.

Gender Differences in Fears Related to Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Its Treatment

Importance

Fear is commonly experienced by individuals newly diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Objective

To explore the association between gender and fears of low-risk PTC disease progression, as well as its potential surgical treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care referral hospital in Toronto, Canada, and enrolled patients with untreated small low risk PTC (<2 cm in maximal diameter) that was confined to the thyroid. All patients had a surgical consultation. Study participants were enrolled between May 2016 and February 2021. Data analysis was performed from December 16, 2022, to May 8, 2023.

Exposures

Gender was self-reported by patients with low-risk PTC who were offered the choice of thyroidectomy or active surveillance. Baseline data were collected prior to the patient deciding on disease management.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Baseline patient questionnaires included the Fear of Progression-Short Form and Surgical Fear (referring to thyroidectomy) questionnaires. The fears of women and men were compared after adjustment for age. Decision-related variables, including Decision Self-Efficacy, and the ultimate treatment decisions were also compared between genders.

Results

The study included 153 women (mean [SD] age, 50.7 [15.0] years) and 47 men (mean [SD] age, 56.3 [13.8] years). There were no significant differences in primary tumor size, marital status, education, parental status, or employment status between the women and men. After adjustment for age, there was no significant difference observed in the level of fear of disease progression between men and women. However, women reported greater surgical fear compared with men. There was no meaningful difference observed between women and men with respect to decision self-efficacy or the ultimate treatment choice.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with low-risk PTC, women reported a higher level of surgical fear but not fear of the disease compared with men (after adjustment for age). Women and men were similarly confident and satisfied with their disease management choice. Furthermore, the decisions of women and men were generally not significantly different. The context of gender may contribute to the emotional experience of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and its treatment perception.

18F-fluorocholine PET/MRI versus ultrasound and sestamibi for the localization of parathyroid adenomas

PURPOSE

Accurate preoperative localization is imperative to facilitate a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). This study aims to compare the diagnostic value of standard-of-care localization techniques (ultrasound [US] and 99mTechnetium (99mTc) -sestamibi scintigraphy) to [F-18]-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (FCH-PET/MRI) to determine the additional clinical usefulness of PET/MRI in a Canadian cohort.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, appropriately powered, study to compare the diagnostic value of -FCH PET/MRI to that of the US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy for localization of parathyroid adenomas in a patient with pHPT. The primary outcome was the per-lesion sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of FCH-PET/MRI, US, and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy. Intraoperative surgeon localization, parathormone levels, and histopathological findings were used as reference standards.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients underwent FCH-PET/MRI of which 36 patients had parathyroidectomy. In these 36 patients, 41 parathyroid lesions were histologically confirmed as adenomas or hyperplastic glands. Per-lesion sensitivity of FCH-PET/MRI was 82.9% and of US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy combined at 50.0%, respectively. The sensitivity of FCH-PET/MRI was superior to that of US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy (p = 0.002). In the 19 patients in whom both US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy were negative, PET/MRI correctly identified the parathyroid adenoma in 13 patients (68%).

CONCLUSIONS

FCH-PET/MRI is a highly accurate imaging modality for localization of parathyroid adenomas in a tertiary center in North America. It is a superior functional imaging modality to 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy alone and more sensitive for localization of parathyroid lesions than US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy combined. This imaging modality could become the most valuable preoperative localization study given its superior performance in localizing parathyroid adenomas.

Evaluation of Preference and Utility Measures for Transoral Thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Traditional, trans-cervical thyroidectomy results in the presence of a neck scar, which has been shown to correlate with lower quality of life and lower patient satisfaction. Transoral thyroid surgery (TOTS) has been utilized as an alternative approach to avoid a cutaneous incision and scar by accessing the neck and thyroid through the oral cavity. This study was designed to evaluate patient preference through health-state utility scores for TOTS as compared to conventional trans-cervical thyroidectomy.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, patient preferences were elicited for TOTS and trans-cervical thyroidectomy with the use of an online survey. Respondents were asked to consider 4 hypothetical health scenarios involving thyroid surgery with varying approaches. Health-state utility scores were elicited using visual analog scale and standard gamble exercises.

RESULTS

Overall, 516 respondents completed the survey, of whom 261 (50.6%) were included for analysis, with a mean age of 41.5 years (SD 14.9 years), including 171 (65.5%) females. Health utility scores were similar for TOTS and conventional transcervical techniques. Statistically significant differences in the standard gamble utility score were noted for gender and ethnicity across all scenarios. Comparisons of visual analog score utilities were not statistically significant based on respondent demographics.

CONCLUSION

Preferences for TOTS and trans-cervical thyroidectomy did not significantly differ in the current study. Females and white ethnicity indicated stronger preference for a TOTs approach compared to males and other ethnicities, respectively. Some literature suggests certain types of patients who might prefer minimally invasive thyroidectomy more so than other patients-in keeping with the current findings of this study.

Etiology and Pathophysiology of Hypoparathyroidism: A Narrative Review

The approach utilized a systematic review of the medical literature executed with specifically designed criteria that focused on the etiologies and pathogenesis of hypoparathyroidism. Enhanced attention by endocrine surgeons to new knowledge about parathyroid gland viability are reviewed along with the role of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring during and after neck surgery. Nonsurgical etiologies account for a significant proportion of cases of hypoparathyroidism (~25%), and among them, genetic etiologies are key. Given the pervasive nature of PTH deficiency across multiple organ systems, a detailed review of the skeletal, renal, neuromuscular, and ocular complications is provided. The burden of illness on affected patients and their caregivers contributes to reduced quality of life and social costs for this chronic endocrinopathy. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Surgeon Thyroidectomy Case Volume Impacts Disease-free Survival in the Management of Thyroid Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between surgeons thyroidectomy case volume and disease-free survival (DFS) for patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). A secondary objective was to assess a surgeon volume cutoff to optimize outcomes in those with WDTC. We hypothesized that surgeon volume will be an important predictor of DFS in patients with WDTC after adjusting for hospital volume and sociodemographic and clinical factors.

METHODS

In this retrospective population-based cohort study, we identified WDTC patients in Ontario, Canada, who underwent thyroidectomy confirmed by both hospital-level and surgeon-level administrative data between 1993 and 2017 (N = 37,233). Surgeon and hospital volumes were calculated based on number of cases performed in the year prior by the physician and at an institution performing each case, respectively and divided into quartiles. A multilevel hierarchical Cox regression model was used to estimate the effect of volume on DFS.

RESULTS

A crude model without patient or treatment characteristics demonstrated that both higher surgeon volume quartiles (p < 0.001) and higher hospital volume quartiles (p < 0.001) were associated with DFS. After controlling for clustering and patient/treatment covariates and hospital volume, moderately low (18-39/year) and low (0-17/year) volume surgeons (hazard ratios [HR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.39 and HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.17-1.53 respectively) remained an independent statistically significant negative predictor of DFS.

CONCLUSION

Both high-volume surgeons and hospitals are predictors of better DFS in patients with WDTC. DFS is higher among surgeons performing more than 40 thyroidectomies a year.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2022.

A Quantitative Analysis Examining Patients' Choice of Active Surveillance or Surgery for Managing Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Background: It is important to understand patient preferences on managing low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods: We prospectively followed patients with low-risk PTC <2 cm in maximal diameter, who were offered the choice of thyroidectomy or active surveillance (AS) at the University Health Network (UHN), in Toronto, Canada. The primary outcome was the frequency of AS choice (percentage with confidence interval [CI]). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of the choice of AS. Results: We enrolled 200 patients of median age 51 years (interquartile range 42-62). The primary tumor measured >1 cm in 55.5% (111/200) of participants. The AS was chosen by 77.5% [71.2-82.7%, 155/200] of participants. In a backwards conditional regression model, the clinical and demographic factors independently associated with choosing AS included: older age (compared with referent group <40 years)-age 40-64 years-odds ratio (OR) 2.78 [CI, 1.23-6.30, p = 0.014], age ≥65 years-OR 8.43 [2.13-33.37, p = 0.002], and education level of high school or lower-OR 4.41 [1.25-15.53, p = 0.021]; AS was inversely associated with the patient's surgeon of record being affiliated with the study hospital-OR 0.29 [0.11-0.76, p = 0.012]. In a separate backwards conditional logistic regression model examining associations with psychological characteristics, AS choice was independently associated with a fear of needing to take thyroid hormones after thyroidectomy-OR 1.24 [1.11-1.39, p < 0.001], but inversely associated with fear of PTC progression-OR 0.94 [0.90-0.98, p = 0.006] and an active coping mechanism ("doing something")-OR 0.43 [0.28-0.66, p < 0.001]. Conclusions: Approximately three-quarters of our participants chose AS over surgery. The factors associated with choosing AS included older age, lower education level, and having a surgeon outside the study institution. Patients' fears about either their PTC progressing or taking thyroid hormone replacement as well as the level of active coping style were associated with the decision. Our results inform the understanding of patients' decisions on managing low-risk PTC. Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03271892.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2: an overview

This review article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). The most common tumors associated with MEN2 are those of the parathyroid, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Additional manifestations include characteristic clinical phenotypes or features as described in the article. This review provides an overview of clinical manifestations, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of patients with MEN2.

The Impact of Hospital Surgical Volume on Healthcare Utilization Outcomes After Pediatric Thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

A positive relationship between an individual surgeon's operative volume and clinical outcomes after pediatric and adult thyroidectomy is well-established. The impact of a hospital's pediatric operative volume on surgical outcomes and healthcare utilization, however, are infrequently reported. We investigated associations between hospital volume and healthcare utilization outcomes following pediatric thyroidectomy in Canada's largest province, Ontario.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of administrative and health-related population-level data from 1993 to 2017. A cohort of 1908 pediatric (<18 years) index thyroidectomies was established. Hospital volume was defined per-case as thyroidectomies performed in the preceding year. Healthcare utilization outcomes: length of stay (LOS), same day surgery (SDS), readmission, and emergency department (ED) visits were measured. Multivariate analysis adjusted for patient-level, disease and hospital-level co-variates.

RESULTS

Hospitals with the lowest volume of pediatric thyroidectomies, accounted for 30% of thyroidectomies province-wide and performed 0-1 thyroidectomies/year. The highest-volume hospitals performed 19-60 cases/year. LOS was 0.64 days longer in the highest, versus the lowest quartile. SDS was 83% less likely at the highest, versus the lowest quartile. Hospital volume was not associated with rate of readmission or ED visits. Increased ED visits were, however, associated with male sex, increased material deprivation, and rurality.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased hospital pediatric surgical volume was associated with increased LOS and lower likelihood of SDS. This may reflect patient complexity at such centers. In this cohort, low-volume hospitals were not associated with poorer healthcare utilization outcomes. Further study of groups disproportionately accessing the ED post-operatively may help direct resources to these populations.

The clinical consequences of functional adrenal uptake in the absence of cross-sectional mass on FDG-PET/CT in oncology patients

PURPOSE

Oncology patients undergoing positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) occasionally show discrete adrenal [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake without an associated nodule on CT, leaving the clinician uncertain about the need to proceed with biopsy or surgical referral. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of this radiological finding and to evaluate the effectiveness of FDG uptake values in risk stratification for adrenal metastasis.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2015, oncology patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT and demonstrated elevated FDG uptake in the adrenal gland without discrete nodularity on cross-sectional imaging were included in a retrospective cohort analysis. Clinical records and FDG-PET/CT scans were reviewed for clinicopathological data, follow-up data, SUVmax (highest SUV of either adrenal gland), and SUVratio (SUVmax/background liver uptake). A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between SUV values and the progression to adrenal metastasis.

RESULTS

Of 3040 oncology patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT scans, 92 (3.0%) showed elevated adrenal uptake without associated mass. From the final study cohort of 66 patients with comprehensive follow-up data, 5 patients (7.6%) developed evidence of adrenal metastasis. At SUVmax < 3.25 (AUC = 0.757) and SUVratio < 1.27 (AUC = 0.907), 34.8% and 60.6% of patients could be excluded with 100% negative predictive value, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Thresholds of SUVmax and SUVratio identified a significant proportion of patients who did not develop adrenal metastasis. In oncology patients who demonstrate increased adrenal FDG uptake without a discrete lesion on FDG-PET/CT, quantitative uptake values may be useful in selecting those not at risk of developing adrenal metastatic disease.

Quality Indicators for the Diagnosis and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Importance

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a common endocrine disorder with many diagnostic and treatment challenges. Despite high-quality guidelines, care is variable, and there is low adherence to evidence-based treatment pathways.

Objective

To develop quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of pHPT that could measure, improve, and optimize quality of care and outcomes for patients with this disease.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This quality improvement study used a guideline-based approach to develop QIs that were ranked by a Canadian 9-member expert panel of 3 endocrinologists, 3 otolaryngologists, and 3 endocrine surgeons. Data were analyzed between September 2020 and May 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from published primary hyperparathyroidism guidelines and summarized with supporting evidence. The 9-member expert panel rated each CI on the validity, reliability, and feasibility of measurement. Final QIs were selected from CIs using the modified RAND-University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness methodology. All panelists were then asked to rank the top 5 QIs for primary, endocrine, and surgical care.

Results

Forty QIs were identified and evaluated by the expert panel. After 2 rounds of evaluations and discussion, a total of 18 QIs were selected as appropriate measures of high-quality care. The top 5 QIs for primary, endocrine, and surgical care were selected following panelist rankings.

Conclusions and Relevance

This quality improvement study proposes 18 QIs for the diagnosis and management of pHPT. Furthermore, the top 5 QIs applicable to physicians commonly treating pHPT, including general physicians, internists, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists, and surgeons, are included. These QIs not only assess the quality of care to guide the process of improvement, but also can assess the implementation of evidence-based guideline recommendations. Using these indicators in clinical practice and health system registries can improve quality and cost-effectiveness of care for patients with pHPT.

Ultrasonography and Fine-Needle Aspiration in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Sonographic risk criteria may assist in further prognostication of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). Our aim was to determine whether sonographic criteria could further delineate the post-test probability of malignancy in ITNs.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

METHODS

A systematic review of Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed from inception to April 15, 2021. Eligible studies included those which reported ultrasonographic evaluations with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) or the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in adult patients with ITNs. ATA or TIRADS were scored as low (negative) or high (positive) malignancy risk using a previously validated binary classification. Primary outcomes included pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio for all sonographic criteria. Studies were appraised using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies and the data were pooled using bivariate random-effects models.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. For Bethesda III, ATA had a specificity (0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74-0.94), but a sensitivity of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.25-0.77). Conversely, K-TIRADS had the highest sensitivity (0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89) with a specificity of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31-0.74). Furthermore, American College of Radiology and EU TIRADS had specificities of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.36-0.80) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73-0.87) with sensitivities of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.37-0.90) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.20-0.60), respectively. There were few studies with Bethesda IV nodules.

CONCLUSIONS

Though dependent on malignancy rates, Bethesda III nodules with low-suspicion TIRADS features may benefit from clinical observation, whereas nodules with high-suspicion ATA features may require molecular testing and/or surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 2021.

A Population-Based Analysis of Outpatient Thyroidectomy: Safe and Under-Utilized

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Performance of thyroidectomy on an outpatient basis has gained popularity although many jurisdictions have not shifted their practice despite a strong safety profile. We sought to assess the uptake and safety of outpatient thyroidectomy in Ontario.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospecive cohort of adult patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy between 1993 and 2017 in Ontario, Canada. Outpatient surgery was defined as discharge home on the same day of surgery. Outcomes of interest include 30-day all cause death, hematoma, emergency department use, and readmission. To adjust for confounding, propensity scores were calculated. Logistic regression models with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were then used to estimate the exposure-outcome relationship.

RESULTS

The final cohort consisted of 81,199 patients: 8,442 underwent same day surgery and 72,757 were admitted. The proportion of patients undergoing outpatient thyroidectomy increased overtime (2.3% in 1993-1994 to 17.8% in 2016-2017). Factors associated with higher odds of outpatient thyroidectomy included: younger age, less material deprivation, less comorbidities, and higher surgeon volume. The absolute number of deaths (≤5) and hematomas (64, 0.8%) in the outpatient cohort was low. After IPTW adjustment, patients with outpatient management had lower odds of neck hematoma (OR 0.73[95CI% 0.58-0.93)], but higher odds of emergency department use (OR 1.67[95%CI 1.56-1.79]).

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient thyroidectomy is not associated with an increased mortality risk. Less than one in five patients undergo outpatient thyroidectomy in Ontario, despite a well-established safety profile.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Oncocytic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Oncocytic Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Clinical Features, Uptake, and Response to Radioactive Iodine Therapy, and Outcome

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to review the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome of patients with oncocytic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and oncocytic poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). The secondary objective was to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of RAI use in this population.

METHODS

Patients with oncocytic PTC and PDTC who were treated at a quaternary cancer centre between 2002 and 2017 were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. All patients had an expert pathology review to ensure consistent reporting and definition. The cumulative incidence function was used to analyse locoregional failure (LRF) and distant metastasis (DM) rates. Univariable analysis (UVA) was used to assess clinical predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

In total, 263 patients were included (PTC [n=218], PDTC [n=45]) with a median follow up of 4.4 years (range: 0 = 26.7 years). Patients with oncocytic PTC had a 5/10-year incidence of LRF and DM, respectively, of 2.7%/5.6% and 3.4%/4.5%. On UVA, there was an increased risk of DM in PTC tumors with widely invasive growth (HR 17.1; p<0.001), extra-thyroidal extension (HR 24.95; p<0.001), angioinvasion (HR 32.58; p=0.002), focal dedifferentiation (HR 19.57, p<0.001), and focal hobnail cell change (HR 8.67, p=0.042). There was additionally an increased risk of DM seen in male PTC patients (HR 5.5, p=0.03).The use of RAI was more common in patients with larger tumors, angioinvasion, and widely invasive disease. RAI was also used in the management of DM and 43% of patients with oncocytic PTC had RAI-avid metastatic disease. Patients with oncocytic PDTC had a higher rate of 5/10-year incidence of LRF and DM (21.4%/45.4%; 11.4%/40.4%, respectively). Patients with extra-thyroidal extension had an increased risk of DM (HR 5.52, p=0.023) as did those with angioinvasion. Of the patients with oncocytic PDTC who received RAI for the treatment of DM, 40% had RAI-avid disease.

CONCLUSION

We present a large homogenous cohort of patients with oncocytic PTC and PDTC, with consistent pathologic reporting and definition. Patients with oncocytic PTC have excellent clinical outcomes and similar risk factors for recurrence as their non-oncocytic counterparts (angioinvasion, large tumor size, extra-thyroidal extension, and focal dedifferentiation). Compared with oncocytic PTCs, the adverse biology of oncocytic PDTCs is supported with increased frequency of DM and lower uptake of RAI.

Feasibility and Safety of Outpatient Thyroidectomy: A Narrative Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Outpatient thyroid surgery is gaining popularity as it can reduce length of hospital stay, decrease costs of care, and increase patient satisfaction. There remains a significant variation in the use of this practice including a perceived knowledge gap with regards to the safety of outpatient thyroidectomies and how to go about implementing standardized institutional protocols to ensure safe same-day discharge. This review summarizes the information available on the subject based on existing published studies and guidelines.

METHODS

This is a scoping review of the literature focused on the safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction associated with outpatient thyroidectomies. The review also summarizes and editorializes the most recent American Thyroid Association guidelines.

RESULTS

In total, 11 studies were included in the analysis: 6 studies were retrospective analyses, 3 were retrospective reviews of prospective data, and 2 were prospective studies. The relative contraindications to outpatient thyroidectomy have been highlighted, including: complex medical conditions, anticipated difficult surgical dissection, patients on anticoagulation, lack of home support, and patient anxiety toward an outpatient procedure. Utilizing these identified features, an outpatient protocol has been proposed.

CONCLUSION

The salient features regarding patient safety and selection criteria and how to develop a protocol implementing ambulatory thyroidectomies have been identified and reviewed. In conclusion, outpatient thyroidectomy is safe, associated with high patient satisfaction and decreased health costs when rigorous institutional protocols are established and implemented. Successful outpatient thyroidectomies require standardized preoperative selection, clear discharge criteria and instructions, and interprofessional collaboration between the surgeon, anesthetist and same-day nursing staff.

Effects of Social Disparities on Management and Surgical Outcomes for Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

INTRODUCTION

Nearly 80% of chronic renal failure patients have secondary hyperparathyroidism. Cinacalcet is used to lower parathyroid hormone; however, it is expensive and has side effects. When secondary hyperparathyroidism is resistant to medication or medications are inaccessible, parathyroidectomy is performed. Race and socioeconomic status influence access to care and surgical outcomes. We sought to evaluate the effect of race and socioeconomic status on parathyroidectomy rate as well as surgical outcomes of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

METHODS

We undertook cross-sectional analysis of adults diagnosed with secondary hyperparathyroidism in the USA between 2012 and 2014, using the National Inpatient Sample. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine associations between social disparities, likelihood to undergo parathyroidectomy, and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Between 2012 and 2014, a national estimate of 724,170 hospitalizations were identified where patients had a diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Operative rate was 0.67%. By socioeconomic status, differences in rates of surgery in the poorest compared to the richest were not significant (0.74% vs. 0.55%, OR 1.08, p = 0.5). African-American patients had higher rates of parathyroidectomy compared to Caucasians (1 vs. 0.74%, OR 1.49, p < 0.001). African-American patients also had a trend toward more complications and greater length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

According to a large administrative dataset, parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism is seldom used in the USA. African-American patients have higher rates of surgical management. Surgical outcomes may be affected by race. Clinicians treating secondary hyperparathyroidism should be aware of existing disparities within their health system.

A Prospective Mixed-Methods Study of Decision-Making on Surgery or Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Background: Active surveillance (AS) of small, low-risk papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) is increasingly being considered. There is limited understanding of why individuals with low-risk PTC may choose AS over traditional surgical management. Methods: We present a mixed-methods analysis of a prospective observational real-life decision-making study regarding the choice of thyroidectomy or AS for management of localized, low-risk PTCs <2 cm in maximum diameter (NCT03271892). Patients were provided standardized medical information and were interviewed after making their decision (which dictated disease management). We evaluated patients' levels of decision-self efficacy (confidence in medical decision-making ability) at the time information was presented and their level of decision satisfaction after finalizing their decision (using standardized questionnaires). We asked patients to explain the reason for their choice and qualitatively analyzed the results. Results: We enrolled 74 women and 26 men of mean age 52.4 years, with a mean PTC size of 11.0 mm (interquartile range 9.0, 14.0 mm). Seventy-one patients (71.0% [95% confidence interval 60.9-79.4%]) chose AS over surgery. Ninety-four percent (94/100) of participants independently made their own disease management choice; the rest shared the decision with their physician. Participants had a high baseline level of decision self-efficacy (mean 94.3, standard deviation 9.6 on a 100-point scale). Almost all (98%, 98/100) participants reported high decision satisfaction. Factors reported by patients as influencing their decision included the following: perceived risk of thyroidectomy or the cancer, family considerations, treatment timing in the context of life circumstances, and trust in health care providers. Conclusions: In this Canadian study, ∼7 out of 10 patients with small, low-risk PTC, who were offered the choice of AS or surgery, chose AS. Personal perceptions about cancer or thyroidectomy, contextual factors, family considerations, and trust in health care providers strongly influenced patients' disease management choices.

Preoperative Computed Tomography Changes Surgical Management for Clinically Low-Risk Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND

In the current guidelines for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), computed tomography (CT) of the neck has a limited role. The authors hypothesized that adding CT to the workup of clinically low-risk DTC size 4 cm or smaller changes the surgical management for a portion of patients due to detection of clinically significant lymph node metastases not located by ultrasound of the neck.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of DTC patients at an academic referral center between 2012 and 2016 was reviewed. All the patients with fine-needle aspiration cytopathology results suspicious for malignancy or malignant tumor (Bethesda category 5 or 6, respectively) underwent CT before surgery. Clinically low-risk DTC patients were selected if they had a tumor diameter of 4 cm or less and no evidence for local invasion or suspicious lymph nodes seen on ultrasound. Outcomes focused on alteration of the surgical plan based on CT and correlation with pathology.

RESULTS

The CT findings for 25 (22.5%) of 111 patients with clinically low-risk DTC led to a change in surgical management. Of these 25 patients, 16 (14.4% of the entire cohort) benefited due to the removal of clinically significant lymph node disease not seen on ultrasound. Categorization of the group that had a change in management showed that 6 (85.7%) of 7 lateral neck dissections and 10 (55.6%) of 18 central neck dissections (CND) harbored metastatic nodes larger than 2 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

In the group with clinically low-risk DTC, CT changed surgical management for a substantial number of the patients with clinically significant nodal disease not detected by ultrasound. This highlights the fact that in certain practice settings, adding CT to the preoperative staging may be favorable for the detection of nodal metastasis.

Clinical Outcomes After Unilateral Adrenalectomy for Primary Aldosteronism

Importance

In addition to biochemical cure, clinical benefits after surgery for primary aldosteronism depend on the magnitude of decrease in blood pressure (BP) and use of antihypertensive medications with a subsequent decreased risk of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular morbidity and drug-induced adverse effects.

Objective

To evaluate the change in BP and use of antihypertensive medications within an international cohort of patients who recently underwent surgery for primary aldosteronism.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cohort study was conducted across 16 referral medical centers in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. Data analysis was performed from August 2017 to June 2018. Unilateral disease was confirmed using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or adrenal venous sampling. Patients with missing or incomplete preoperative or follow-up data regarding BP or corresponding number of antihypertensive medications were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinical success was defined based on postoperative BP and number of antihypertensive medications. Cure was defined as normotension without antihypertensive medications, and clear improvement as normotension with lower or equal use of antihypertensive medications. In patients with preoperative normotensivity, improvement was defined as postoperative normotension with lower antihypertensive use. All other patients were stratified as no clear success because the benefits of surgery were less obvious, mainly owing to postoperative, persistent hypertension. Clinical outcomes were assessed at follow-up closest to 6 months after surgery.

Results

On the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 435 patients (84.6%) from a cohort of 514 patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy were eligible. Of these patients, 186 (42.3%) were women; mean (SD) age at the time of surgery was 50.7 (11.4) years. Cure was achieved in 118 patients (27.1%), clear improvement in 135 (31.0%), and no clear success in 182 (41.8%). In the subgroup classified as no clear success, 166 patients (91.2%) had postoperative hypertension. However, within this subgroup, the mean (SD) systolic and diastolic BP decreased significantly by 9 (22) mm Hg (P < .001) and 3 (15) mm Hg (P = .04), respectively. Also, the number of antihypertensive medications used decreased from 3 (range, 0-7) to 2 (range, 0-6) (P < .001). Moreover, in 75 of 182 patients (41.2%) within this subgroup, the decrease in systolic BP was 10 mm Hg or greater.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, for most patients, adrenalectomy was associated with a postoperative normotensive state and reduction of antihypertensive medications. Furthermore, a significant proportion of patients with postoperative, persistent hypertension may benefit from adrenalectomy given the observed clinically relevant and significant reduction of BP and antihypertensive medications.

Incidental positive lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid cancer is independently associated with recurrent disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pathological examination occasionally reveals incidental central lymph nodes metastasis (iLNM) after thyroidectomy for patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who did not undergo compartment-orientated lymphadenectomy. We aimed to investigate the risk of recurrence for patients with iLNM.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for PTC (January 2000 to January 2010). Patients with distant metastases, central- or lateral neck dissection and pre-operative suspicious lymph nodes (by ultrasound or clinical examination) were excluded. The association between iLNM and recurrent disease was investigated using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards analysis.

RESULTS

225/1000 patients had incidental nodes after total thyroidectomy for PTC. 183 were node-negative and 42 had iLNM. Mean age was 46 years and 201 (89%) were women. Mean number of resected nodes was 2.3. Disease recurred in 8/183 (4.4%) of patients with N0 versus 7/42 (17%) with iLNM. After adjusting for other factors, iLNM was independently associated with recurrent disease (hazard ratio = 4.01 [95% CI 1.21-13.3]).

CONCLUSIONS

Positive incidental lymph nodes are independently associated with recurrent disease in patients with PTC. These patients should therefore be monitored more carefully.

Is it time to reconsider lobectomy in low-risk paediatric thyroid cancer?

OBJECTIVE

Current guidelines recommend total thyroidectomy for nearly all children with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). These guidelines, however, derive from older data accrued prior to current high-resolution imaging. We speculate that there is a subpopulation of children who may be adequately treated with lobectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database.

PATIENTS

Seventy-three children with WDTC treated between 2004 and 2015.

MEASUREMENTS

We applied two different risk-stratification criteria to this population. First, we determined the number of patients meeting American Thyroid Association (ATA) 'low-risk' criteria, defined as disease grossly confined to the thyroid with either N0/Nx or incidental microscopic N1a disease. Second, we defined a set of 'very-low-risk' histopathological criteria, comprising unifocal tumours ≤4 cm without predefined high-risk factors, and determined the proportion of patients that met these criteria.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (37%) males and 46 (63%) females were included in this study, with a mean age of 13·4 years. Ipsilateral- and contralateral multifocality were identified in 27 (37·0%) and 19 (26·0%) of specimens. Thirty-seven (51%) patients had lymph node metastasis (N1a = 18/N1b = 19). Pre-operative ultrasound identified all cases with clinically significant nodal disease. Of the 73 patients, 39 (53·4%) met ATA low-risk criteria and 16 (21·9%) met 'very-low-risk' criteria. All 'very-low-risk' patients demonstrated excellent response to initial therapy without persistence/recurrence after a mean follow-up of 36·4 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound and histopathology identify a substantial population that may be candidates for lobectomy, avoiding the risks and potential medical and psychosocial morbidity associated with total thyroidectomy. We propose a clinical framework to stimulate discussion of lobectomy as an option for low-risk patients.

18F Fluorocholine PET/MR Imaging in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Inconclusive Conventional Imaging: A Prospective Pilot Study

Purpose To investigate the performance of flourine 18 (¹⁸F) fluorocholine (FCH) positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with hyperparathyroidism and nonlocalized disease who have negative or inconclusive results at ultrasonography (US) and technetium 99m (^99mTc) sestamibi scintigraphy. Materials and Methods This study was approved by the institutional review board. Between May and December 2015, 10 patients (mean age, 70.4 years; range, 58-82 years) with biochemical primary hyperparathyroidism and inconclusive results at US and ^99mTc sestamibi scintigraphy were prospectively enrolled. All patients gave informed consent. Directly after administration of 3 MBq/kg of FCH, PET imaging was performed, followed by T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging before and after gadolinium enhancement. Intraoperative localization and histologic results were the reference standard for calculating sensitivity and positive predictive value. The Wilcoxon rank test was used to calculate the mean difference in maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max) between abnormal parathyroid uptake and physiologic thyroid uptake. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed. Results MR imaging alone showed true-positive lesions in five patients and a false-positive lesion in one patient. FCH PET/MR imaging allowed correct localization of nine of 10 adenomas (90% sensitivity), without any false-positive results (100% positive predictive value). One patient had four-gland hyperplasia, of which three hyperplastic glands were not localized. The median SUV_max of the nine preoperatively identified adenomas was 4.9 (interquartile range, 2.45-7.35), which was significantly higher than the SUV, 2.7 (interquartile range, 1.6-3.8), of the thyroid (P = .008). Conclusion FCH PET/MR imaging allowed localization of adenomas with high accuracy when conventional imaging results were inconclusive and provided detailed anatomic information. More patients must be examined to confirm our initial results, and the accuracy of FCH PET/MR imaging for localization of glands in patients with four-gland hyperplasia remains to be investigated. ^© RSNA, 2017.

Diagnostic performance of computed tomography for parathyroid adenoma localization; a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of CT for preoperative parathyroid localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), and subsequently compare the different protocols and their performance in different patient groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a search of the Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2016 investigating the diagnostic value of CT for parathyroid localization in patients with biochemical diagnosis of pHPT. Performance of CT was expressed in sensitivity and PPV with pooled proportion using a random-effects model. Factors that could have affected the diagnostic performance were investigated by subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies evaluating a total of 2563 patients with non-familial pHPT who underwent CT localization and surgical resection were included. Overall pooled sensitivity of CT for localization of the pathological parathyroid(s) to the correct quadrant was 73% (95% CI: 69-78%), which increased to 81% (95% CI: 75-87%) for lateralization to the correct side. Subgroup analysis based on the number of contrast phases showed that adding a second contrast phase raises sensitivity from 71% (95% CI: 61-80%) to 76% (95% CI: 71-87%), and that adding a third phase resulted in a more modest additional increase in performance with a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI: 74-86%).

CONCLUSION

CT performs well in localizing pathological glands in patients with pHPT. A protocol with two contrast phases seems to offer a good balance of acceptable performance with limitation of radiation exposure.

PRE-ABLATION THYROGLOBULIN AND THYROGLOBULIN TO THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE RATIO MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH PULMONARY METASTASES IN CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CANCER

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) frequently presents with extensive disease. We studied the value of pre-ablation thyroglobulin (Tg) and Tg normalized to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in predicting distant metastases in pediatric patients with DTC.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients <21 years old who underwent thyroidectomy followed by ¹³¹I ablation for DTC at 3 university hospitals over 20 years. Tg levels and the Tg/TSH ratio following surgery but prior to ¹³¹I ablation were assessed. The presence of distant metastatic disease was determined from the postablation whole-body scan.

RESULTS

We studied 44 patients with a mean age of 15.2 years (range 7 to 21 years) and mean tumor size of 2.8 cm. Eight patients had distant metastases and had a higher mean pre-ablation Tg value compared to patients without distant metastases (1,037 μg/L versus 93.5 μg/L, P<.01). The pre-ablation Tg/TSH ratio was also associated with the presence of distant metastases: 12.5 ± 18.8 μg/mU in patients with distant metastases versus 0.7 ± 1.8 μg/mU in patients without (P<.01). A nomogram to predict distant metastases yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85 for Tg and 0.83 for Tg/TSH ratio.

CONCLUSION

After initial thyroidectomy, elevated preablation Tg and Tg/TSH ratio are associated with distant metastatic disease in pediatric DTC. This may inform the decision to ablate with ¹³¹I, as well as the dosage.

ABBREVIATIONS

ATA = American Thyroid Association CI = confidence interval DTC = differentiated thyroid cancer OR = odds ratio ROC = receiver operating characteristic Tg = thyroglobulin.

Frequency of High-Risk Characteristics Requiring Total Thyroidectomy for 1-4 cm Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND

The extent of thyroidectomy for low-risk well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) remains controversial. Historically, total thyroidectomy (TT) has been recommended for WDTC ≥1 cm in size. However, recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Thyroid Association guidelines recognize unilateral thyroid lobectomy as a viable alternative for 1-4 cm cancers due to their otherwise favorable prognosis, with TT remaining the preferred option for tumors with unfavorable pathological characteristics. This study sought to determine how often a completion TT would be recommended based on these guidelines if lobectomy was initially performed in patients with 1-4 cm WDTC without preoperatively known risk factors.

METHODS

Patients who underwent thyroidectomy for 1-4 cm WDTC (January 2000 to January 2010) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with preoperatively known high-risk characteristics, including gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE) on preoperative imaging, clinically apparent lymph node metastases, distant metastases, history of radiation, and positive family history, were excluded. The pathology specimens from the cancer-containing lobe were evaluated for features that would lead to a recommendation for TT based on current guidelines, including aggressive histology, vascular invasion, microscopic ETE, positive margins, and any positive lymph nodes within the specimen.

RESULTS

Of 1000 consecutive patients operated for WDTC, 287 would have been eligible for lobectomy as the initial operation. The mean age in this cohort was 45 years, and 80% were women. Aggressive tall-cell variant histology was found in one patient (0.5%), angio-invasion in 34 (12%), ETE in 48 (17%), positive margins in 51 (18%), and positive lymph nodes in 49 (18%) patients. Completion TT would have been recommended in 122/287 (43%) patients. Even in those with 1-2 cm cancers, completion TT would have been recommended in 52/143 (36%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly half of the patients with 1-4 cm WDTC who are eligible for lobectomy under current guidelines would require completion TT based on pathological characteristics of the initial lobe. Surgeons, endocrinologists, and patients need to balance the relative benefits, risks, and costs of initial TT versus the possible need for reoperative completion TT.

Differences Between Bilateral Adrenal Incidentalomas and Unilateral Lesions

IMPORTANCE

Adrenal incidentalomas are found in 1% to 5% of abdominal cross-sectional imaging studies. Although the workup and management of unilateral lesions are well established, limited information exists for bilateral incidentalomas.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the natural history of patients having bilateral incidentalomas with those having unilateral incidentalomas.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients referred to an academic multidisciplinary adrenal conference. The setting was a tertiary care university hospital among a cohort of 500 patients with adrenal lesions between July 1, 2009, and July 1, 2014.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Prevalence, age, imaging characteristics, biochemical workup, any intervention, and final diagnosis.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with bilateral incidentalomas and 112 patients with unilateral incidentalomas were identified. The mean age at diagnosis of bilateral lesions was 58.7 years. The mean lesion size was 2.4 cm on the right side and 2.8 cm on the left side. Bilateral incidentalomas were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of subclinical Cushing syndrome (21.7% [5 of 23] vs 6.2% [7 of 112]) (P = .009) and a significantly lower prevalence of pheochromocytoma (4.3% [1 of 23] vs 19.6% [22 of 112]) (P = .003) compared with unilateral lesions, while rates of hyperaldosteronism were similar in both groups (4.3% [1 of 23] vs 5.4% [6 of 112]) (P > .99). Only one patient with bilateral incidentalomas underwent unilateral resection. The mean follow-up was 4 years (range, 1.2-13.0 years). There were no occult adrenocortical carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Bilateral incidentalomas are more likely to be associated with subclinical Cushing syndrome and less likely to be pheochromocytomas. Although patients with bilateral incidentalomas undergo a workup similar to that in patients with unilateral lesions, differences in their natural history warrant a greater index of suspicion for subclinical Cushing syndrome.

Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder in which the inappropriate elevation in serum parathyroid hormone level results in hypercalcemia. Most cases are caused by a single adenomatous parathyroid gland and less than 15% are caused by multiglandular disease. The incidence of PHPT appears to be increasing. More patients are being identified earlier and often before symptoms develop. Parathyroidectomy is the only definitive management; with it, the patient can achieve biochemical homeostasis and symptom relief, and sequelae are prevented. Even for asymptomatic patients with PHPT, there is a growing trend to recommend early surgical intervention. Controversy continues regarding the role of and reliance on various technologies, such as preoperative localization imaging, intraoperative parathyroid hormone level measurements, and minimally invasive surgery. Although both traditional bilateral 4-gland exploration and targeted approaches are accepted surgical techniques, there is a growing trend in unilateral targeted operations often using these technologies. Regardless of surgical approach, the expected success rate is greater than 95%. This article provides an overview of the contemporary surgical management of PHPT.

The effect of a dedicated endocrine surgery program on general surgery training: a single institutional experience

BACKGROUND

The endocrine surgery program was established at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2006 to enhance the educational experience of surgical residents in this area. The impact of this program on subjective and objective measures of resident education was prospectively tracked.

METHODS

Resident case logs, American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination scores, self-assessment surveys, and annual rotation evaluations from July 2005 to June 2009 were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean number of endocrine cases reported by graduates doubled during the study period (from 18 to 36, P < .001). Self-assessment scores increased for thyroid (from 4.53 to 5.76, P = .04) and parathyroid (from 4.46 to 5.90, P = .03) disorders. The mean rating for the endocrine rotation (from 3.23 to 3.95, P = .005) improved, with specific increases in the quantity (from 3.05 to 3.74, P = .02) and quality (from 3.25 to 3.95, P = .002) of operative experience. Since 2006, trainees have coauthored 17 peer-reviewed reports and 3 textbook chapters on endocrine topics.

CONCLUSIONS

The establishment of a dedicated endocrine surgery program has a measurable impact on resident education within this core content area.

Strategic impact of a new academic endocrine surgery program

Background

A minority of medical centers possess a dedicated endocrine surgery program. Here we assess the short-term impact of a new endocrine surgery program on institutional case volumes and financial endpoints.

Methods

We studied all endocrine procedures performed over a 5-year period spanning the inception of the endocrine surgery program at UCLA. Institutional and state-level data on patient geographic origin, discharges for endocrine diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), and hospital-side charges and costs were examined.

Results

Total endocrine case volume increased 112% (264 to 559 cases annually) over the study period. The relative increase was greater for parathyroid (56 to 196, 250%, P < 0.0001) and adrenal (11 to 31, 181%, P = 0.06) procedures compared to thyroid procedures (317 to 442, 39%). The endocrine case volume of nonspecialist surgeons remained stable over the study period. Growth in referrals arose from previously unrepresented zip codes and was associated with an increase in the mean distance traveled for care (2006, 44 miles vs. 2009, 92 miles, P < 0.01). In each DRG, UCLA attained the top market position within one year of the program’s inception, corresponding to an overall 27% increase in regional market share. Total hospital charges for endocrine DRGs rose 161% to $14.7 million annually, while the cost of parathyroid surgery fell 34% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The establishment of an academic endocrine surgery program can cause fundamental shifts in referral patterns within a competitive, densely populated metropolitan environment. Hospitals should consider the inclusion of an endocrine surgery program in strategic planning initiatives.