甲状腺外科无喉返神经损伤的可能性

目的探讨甲状腺外科手术喉返神经(recurrenlaryngealnerve,RLN)零损伤的可能性。方法回顾性分析我科2001年3月～2005年3月659例甲状腺疾病的手术方式、术后RLN损伤、甲状旁腺功能低下、术后出血和术后复发等并发症的发生。术中常规解剖RLN,保护并勿过度解剖甲状旁腺及其供应的血管。结果甲状腺一侧腺叶加对侧腺叶部分切除376例、甲状腺一侧腺叶加峡部切除87例、甲状腺双侧腺叶次全切除76例、甲状腺全切除73例、颈部低位领式切口入路切除胸骨后结节性甲状腺肿47例。术后无一例发生RLN损伤。术后暂时性低钙血症发生率为1.67%(11/659)。无永久性低钙血症。术后出血需再手术止血和术后伤口血肿的发生率分别为0.60%(4/659)和0.45%(3/659)。甲状腺功能低下和术后复发的发生率分别为0.45%(3/659)和0.15%(1/659),无切口感染。结论甲状腺外科手术中熟悉RLN的解剖知识,常规紧贴甲状腺被膜外分离并全程解剖RLN及其分支可避免RLN的损伤。     

Incidental parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery does not cause transient symptomatic hypocalcemia

OBJECTIVES: To identify any risk factors for incidental parathyroidectomy and to define its association with symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral cancer center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 1991 and 1999. Patients who underwent procedures for locally advanced thyroid cancer requiring laryngectomy, tracheal resection, or esophagectomy were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: All pathology reports were reviewed for the presence of any parathyroid tissue in the resected specimen. Slides were reviewed, and information regarding patient demographics, diagnosis, operative details, and postoperative complications was collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Identification of parathyroid tissue in resected specimens and postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia. RESULTS: A total of 141 thyroid procedures were performed: 69 total thyroidectomies (49%) and 72 total thyroid lobectomies (51%). The findings were benign in 68 cases (48%) and malignant in 73 cases (52%). In the entire series, incidental parathyroidectomy was found in 21 cases (15%). Parathyroid tissue was found in intrathyroidal (50%), extracapsular (31%), and central node compartment (19%) sites. The performance of a concomitant modified radical neck dissection was associated with an increased risk of unplanned parathyroidectomy (P =.05). There was no association of incidental parathyroidectomy with postoperative hypocalcemia (P =.99). Multivariate analysis identified total thyroidectomy as a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia (P =.008). In the entire study group, transient symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred in 9 patients (6%), and permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 1 patient who underwent a total thyroidectomy and concomitant neck dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Unintended parathyroidectomy, although not uncommon, is not associated with symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. Modified radical neck dissection may increase the risk of incidental parathyroidectomy. Most of the glands removed were intrathyroidal, so changes in surgical technique are unlikely to markedly reduce this risk.     

Perioperative parathyroid hormone levels in thyroid surgery: preliminary report

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: An immediate method of accurately predicting postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy would allow for selective early discharge of patients at low risk. The objective of the study was to determine the utility of perioperative parathyroid hormone measurement in predicting postoperative hypocalcemia after a thyroid surgery that places total parathyroid function at risk. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy had three blood samples drawn for parathyroid hormone measurement before dissection, 10 minutes after specimen removal, and in the recovery room. Serial ionized calcium levels were measured in the postoperative period. Preoperative, postresection, and recovery room levels were compared with postoperative ionized calcium levels. RESULTS: The average values before resection, after resection, and in the recovery room were 69.3 (range, 13-163), 42.3 (range, 0-120), and 37.4 (range 7-79) pg/mL, respectively. The incidence of hypocalcemia was 11% (3 of 27 patients). The rate of hypocalcemia was significantly higher (50%) in patients with recovery room parathyroid hormone values of 10 pg/mL or less relative to patients with recovery room parathyroid hormone values greater than 10 pg/mL (4%) in this setting (P =.01). Among patients with a parathyroid hormone value of less than 15 pg/mL in the recovery room, an increasing parathyroid hormone level in the recovery room relative to the level after resection predicted normocalcemia without calcium supplementation on chi analysis (P =.01). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that perioperative parathyroid hormone values can help predict patients who are at highest risk for postoperative hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery.     

Incidence of inadvertent parathyroid removal during thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of unintentional parathyroid removal during routine thyroidectomy and to identify factors that might predict patients at high risk. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of case records. Data analyzed for incidental finding of parathyroid gland(s) in the thyroidectomy specimen and postoperative temporary or permanent hypocalcemia. METHODS: The clinical records of 220 patients undergoing thyroidectomies between January 1997 and October 1999 were reviewed. Pathology reports were screened for information on the presence of parathyroid tissue along with the thyroid specimen. Operative reports were reviewed to exclude the possibility of intentional parathyroid gland removal. Case records were scrutinized to determine whether the patient developed symptomatic hypocalcemia postoperatively. RESULTS: Nine percent of the 220 patients were found to have had inadvertent removal of parathyroid tissue. The majority of patients (95%) had two or less parathyroid glands in their specimens. The size and histological nature of the thyroid lesion were not predictive of inadvertent parathyroid removal. Of the 25 repeat operations for recurrent or persistent malignancy, 5 (20%) were found to have unintentional parathyroid removal compared with 15 (7.71%) of 195 primary thyroidectomy cases (P <.05). Nineteen percent of patients who had tracheoesophageal groove node dissection had an incidental parathyroid in their specimen compared with 7% who did not undergo tracheoesophageal groove node dissection (P = .04). None of the patients with unintentional parathyroid gland removal developed either temporary or permanent postoperative hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: Inadvertent excision of a parathyroid gland(s) occurred in 9% of patients undergoing thyroidectomy in our experience. Reoperative thyroid surgery and tracheoesophageal node dissection were associated with a significantly higher risk of inadvertent parathyroid gland excision. Inadvertent parathyroidectomy did not result in symptomatic temporary or permanent hypocalcemia postoperatively.     

甲状腺外科专业化的临床资料分析

目的 评价耳鼻咽喉头颈外科医师手术治疗甲状腺良性疾病的结果。方法回顾性分析北京朝阳医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科2001年1月-2004年4月手术治疗496例甲状腺良性疾病的方式、术后并发症的发生、手术耗时、颈部切口长度、住院时间和术后复发的情况。结果甲状腺一侧腺叶加对侧腺叶部分切除314例，甲状腺一侧腺叶加峡部切除76例，甲状腺双侧腺叶次全切除29例，单纯甲状腺峡部切除3例，甲状腺全切除46例，颈部低位领式切口入路切除胸骨后结节性甲状腺肿28例。术后一侧喉返神经损伤发生率为0．2％(1／496)，无双侧喉返神经损伤。术后暂时性低钙血症发生率为1．8％(9／496)，无永久性低钙血症。术后出血发生率为0．6％(3／496)，无切口感染。手术耗时平均为66min，颈部切口长度平均为5．2cm，住院时间平均为6．3d。术后复发率0．2％(1／496)。结论受过严格头颈外科培训的耳鼻咽喉科医师行甲状腺良性疾病手术可降低喉返神经损伤的发生。     

Postoperative complications of thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the incidence and risk factors of complications in patients submitted to thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in a cancer hospital with residency training. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart and complications review of 316 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. RESULTS: Of the 316 patients, the main postoperative complications were transient hypocalcemia in 87 (27.5%), permanent hypocalcemia in 16 (5.1%), transient vocal cord palsy in 4 (1.2%), and permanent vocal cord palsy in 2 (0.6%). Neck dissection and paratracheal lymph node dissection when associated with total thyroidectomy were significantly related to transitory and permanent hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: Thyroid surgery can be performed safely in a hospital with medical residency training program under direct supervision of an experienced surgeon with acceptable morbidity. Hypocalcemia is the most significant complication. Neck and paratracheal lymph node dissections were the most significant predictors of hypocalcemia in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy.     

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels in thyroid and parathyroid surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement in predicting postoperative hypocalcemia after thyroid and parathyroid surgeries that places total parathyroid function at risk. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. METHODS: The case records of 23 patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy and 30 patients undergoing parathyroid exploration were reviewed. All patients had intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels measured. Samples were taken before dissection and 10 minutes after the resection was completed. Serial ionized calcium levels were measured in the postoperative period. Percentages of reduction in PTH levels from preoperative to postresection levels were calculated. Percentages of reduction in PTH level and the absolute value of the intraoperative PTH values were compared with postoperative ionized calcium levels. RESULTS: In the 23 patients who underwent thyroid surgery, the average preoperative and postoperative PTH values were 50 pg/mL (range, 17-87 pg/mL) and 34 pg/mL (range, 4-93 pg/mL), respectively. The average decrease in PTH was 39% (range, 39%-90%). The incidence of hypocalcemia was significantly higher in patients with intraoperative PTH levels less than 15 pg/mL relative to patients with PTH levels greater than 15 pg/mL in this setting ( P=.006). In the 30 patients who underwent parathyroid exploration, average preoperative and postoperative PTH levels were 291 pg/mL (range, 65-1675 pg/mL) and 113.8 pg/mL (range, 6.5-1263 pg/mL) respectively. The intraoperative PTH level did not correlate with postoperative calcium levels in the parathyroid group. Percentages of decrease in PTH levels greater than 60% was statistically associated with surgical cure in this population. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that intraoperative PTH levels greater than 15 pg/mL after total or completion thyroidectomy indicate a low risk of postoperative hypocalcemia and that these patients may be candidates for outpatient surgery. In the parathyroid group, intraoperative PTH levels do not correlate well with postoperative calcium levels.     

Risk factors for permanent laryngeal nerve paralysis in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the incidence of and risk factors for permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis for patients with thyroid malignancy. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary oncology referral centre. PARTICIPANTS: Records of 290 consecutive patients treated between 1997 and 2001 were reviewed. All patients who have had one or more operations. Patients with preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and patients who underwent thyroidectomy in conjunction with laryngectomy were excluded. The incidence of postoperative permanent cord palsy was calculated in relation to the number of patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, gender, thyroid functions, tumour localisations and size, multicentricity, thyroid capsule invasion, extrathyroidal soft tissue invasion, differentiation, histological type, co-existence of lymphocytic thyroiditis, total number of dissected and metastatic nodes, type of surgery, the place of surgery and number of operations were the risk factors investigated for permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis developed in 27 (9%) of 290 patients with thyroid carcinoma. Transient and permanent paralysis rates in total or subtotal thyroidectomy, completion thyroidectomy and neck dissection groups were 5/3%, 7/3% and 24/17% respectively. Cox regression analysis identified the type of surgery [adjusted relative risk (RR) = 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-4.0, P = 0.01], extrathyroidal soft tissue invasion (RR = 5.7, 95% CI = 2.0-15.7, P = 0.001) and number of metastatic nodes (RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.5 P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The factors related with recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis post-thyroid carcinoma surgery are linked to special features of the tumour and to the type of surgery.     

Unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVES: In the United States thyroidectomy is a frequently performed surgery by both general and head and neck surgeons. Even the most experienced thyroid surgeon, however, has probably received a pathology report stating that an incidental parathyroid gland or parathyroid tissue was found in the submitted thyroidectomy specimen. The aim of this report is to explore some of the pathologic and clinical characteristics of unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed of thyroidectomies performed at the University of California, Los Angeles, Center for the Health Sciences between 1989 and June 1998 which had pathology reports showing parathyroid tissue contained within the thyroidectomy specimen. This excluded any tissue submitted separately to be evaluated for parathyroid tissue and parathyroid tissue removed unintentionally during a thyroidectomy for a different procedure such as a laryngectomy or surgery for parathyroid disease. METHODS: The pathology slides were reviewed to determine the incidence of unintentional parathyroid tissue removal, the size of the parathyroid tissue found within the thyroid specimen, the location of the parathyroid tissue (extracapsular, intracapsular, intrathyroidal), and whether this unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy caused clinical consequences. RESULTS: Four hundred fourteen applicable thyroidectomies were performed during this time with 45 (11%) discovered cases of unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy. Twenty-five (56%) cases were discovered during thyroidectomy for benign disease, and 20 (44%) during thyroidectomy for malignant thyroid disease. All the parathyroid tissue was normal and was found in extracapsular (58%), intracapsular (20%), or intrathyroidal (22%) locations. Of these 45 cases, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was found only in two patients who had the nerve resected intentionally during the thyroidectomy, and none of the patients developed permanent hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental parathyroid gland tissue was reported in 11% of the thyroidectomies performed in our series, without the clinical consequence of hypocalcemia. The majority (78%) of this parathyroid tissue was found in the extracapsular and intracapsular locations; therefore it is possible that these parathyroid glands may be identified and preserved with more meticulous inspection of the thyroid capsule during and after thyroidectomy to decrease the incidence of unintentional parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy in the future.     

甲状腺肿瘤外科手术2228例临床分析

目的探讨甲状腺肿瘤外科治疗效果，总结甲状腺肿瘤的诊疗经验。方法回顾性分析1992年-2004年间2228例甲状腺肿瘤(2072例甲状腺良性肿瘤，156例甲状腺癌)的临床资料及随访结果。结果2072例甲状腺良性肿瘤中，术后喉返神经损伤4例，永久性喉返神经损伤率是0．1％，暂时性喉返神经损伤率为0．1％；55例复发行二次手术，复发率为2．6％。术后无甲状旁腺功能低下和出血。甲状腺癌156例，8例复发，3例死亡，直接法统计5年生存率为95．50k，(64／67)，Kaplan-Meier法统计5年生存率为98．0％。60例微小癌中无1例复发或转移，5年生存率为100．0％。156例甲状腺癌中1例喉返神经损伤，发生率为0．6％，术后无出血和甲状旁腺功能低下。结论遵循甲状腺肿瘤正确外科治疗原则能有效降低甲状腺疾病患者手术并发症、复发率等，并改善预后。     

Careful examination of thyroid specimen intraoperatively to reduce incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and clinical relevance of inadvertent parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy, and the possibility of reducing its occurrence. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 1999 to 2005, divided into 2 groups (group 1, those with inadvertent parathyroidectomy; and group 2, those without inadvertent parathyroidectomy). Patients who underwent surgical procedures for recurrent thyroid disease, intentional parathyroidectomy, and resection of central compartment viscera were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: All pathology reports were reviewed for the presence of any parathyroid tissue in the resected specimen. Age, sex, preoperative diagnosis, thyroid hormonal status, substernal thyroid extension, number of parathyroid glands identified and spared at the time of surgery, autotransplantation of parathyroid gland, and final histologic findings were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Identification of parathyroid tissue in resected specimens and postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia. RESULTS: A total of 307 patients were included. Surgical procedures included bilateral or unilateral thyroidectomy (95% and 5% of procedures, respectively). Central neck lymph node dissection was performed in 5% of cases. Pathologic findings showed inadvertent parathyroidectomy in 12% of cases. Of these, 32% were recognized intraoperatively. The parathyroid tissue was found in extracapsular locations in 37% of cases, intracapsular locations in 39%, and intrathyroidal locations in 24%. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups in terms of sex, preoperative diagnosis, substernal extension, extent of surgery, pathologic diagnosis, and occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia, except for the presence of thyroiditis. CONCLUSION: Careful examination of the surgical specimen intraoperatively decreases the incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy.     

Complications following thyroid surgery

The incidence of severe complications following thyroid gland surgery is a major reason to recommend total thyroidectomy or a less radical procedure in treating thyroid gland diseases. A retrospective study on 335 thyroidectomies was performed to assess the incidence of postoperative complications. Rates for hypocalcemia were based on patients undergoing bilateral procedures (n = 185) and on nerves at risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 513). Permanent hypocalcemia (8%) and unilateral laryngeal nerve injury (2.3%) were the major complications, with 0.8% having fatal complications. The achievement of long-term normal serum calcium levels has been the most frequent complication. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury had a significant relationship with secondary procedures, histologic findings, and no nerve identification during surgery. In our series, major complications can be blamed on technical pitfalls, even in the hands of experienced surgeons.     

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has been developed and successfully used in Italy to perform thyroidectomy and central node dissection through an incision of 2 to 3 cm. OBJECTIVES: Determine the safety, utility, and complication rates of MIVAT in a university setting within the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Single surgeon series of MIVAT performed during an 18-month period. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty thyroidectomies were performed between January 2006 and June 2007. Ninety-two (37%) met eligibility criteria for MIVAT. Six (7%) procedures were converted to open thyroidectomy (incision 4-5 cm) because of extent of the disease (3 strap muscle invasions, 1 thyroiditis, and 2 excessive size goiters). Eighty-six (93%) procedures were completed via the MIVAT technique. There was one case of transient and no cases of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (0.7% of nerves at risk). There were two cases of transient hypocalcemia (3.6% of total/completion cases). There were no hematomas or seromas. There were five (5.8%) cases of minor superficial skin burn. Mean operative times were significantly reduced during the study period (67 to 42 min for hemithyroidectomy, P = .0005; 110 to 77 min for total thyroidectomy, P = .02). Mean incision length measured after wound closure was 2.5 cm. CONCLUSION: We found implantation of MIVAT to be safe, with rates of hypocalcemia, vocal cord paresis, and hematoma comparable with those reported for the traditional open approach. Procedure times varied based on extent of thyroidectomy, patient factors, and experience of the operator and were significantly reduced during the study period.     

Morbidity following central compartment reoperation for recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism, we reviewed our experience with central compartment reoperation. DESIGN: Patients underwent preoperative ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the neck. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed and demonstrated evidence of tumor in 15 patients. At the time of surgery, hook wire electrodes were placed endoscopically into 1 or both vocal cords to monitor the integrity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. PATIENTS: The study population comprised 20 patients who had undergone reoperative central compartment dissections between the years 1997 and 2001. There were 15 women and 5 men whose mean age was 49.4 years. All of the patients had prior total or subtotal thyroidectomy, and 4 patients had prior neck dissections. A primary thyroid cancer recurrence in the thyroid bed was present in 7 patients, and the remainder of the patients had cytological evidence of paratracheal or mediastinal metastases. A single patient had evidence of distant metastases involving the lung. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Short- and long-term postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients, 18 had histologic evidence of metastases to the paratracheal lymph nodes, whereas 8 patients had metastases involving the anterior mediastinal lymph nodes. The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 6.5, and the mean number of positive lymph nodes was 4.7. None of the patients with normal preoperative laryngeal function had postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis or paralysis. There were 18 patients with normal preoperative parathyroid function. Four patients developed transient postoperative hypocalcemia. All 4 patients with transient postoperative hypocalcemia are currently eucalcemic. A single patient continues to receive calcium and calcitriol supplementation 1 month following her third central compartment dissection for recurrent thyroid cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Reoperation for recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer presents a significant challenge. However, intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and preservation of the vascular pedicle of the parathyroid glands has reduced the morbidity of reoperative central compartment dissections to acceptable levels. Revision surgery in the central compartment of the neck is compatible with successful eradication of recurrent thyroid cancers and acceptable morbidity.     

甲状旁腺原位保护技术在甲状腺全切除术中的应用

目的 评估甲状腺全切术中甲状旁腺原位保护对术后甲状旁腺功能的意义.方法 同一医疗手术组连续实施的1019例甲状腺全切除术患者,术中在解剖游离甲状腺的过程中注意原位保护甲状旁腺,包括:正确辨认甲状旁腺,精确解剖甲状腺被膜,最大限度保护甲状旁腺血供,并记录保留甲状旁腺数目.检测并对比术前、术后24～48 h的血清钙离子和甲状旁腺激素(PTH)水平,对术后出现低钙血症以及甲状旁腺功能低下者进行1～6个月的支持治疗及随访.结果 1019例接受甲状腺全切除术的患者均原位保护至少1枚甲状旁腺.术后出现暂时性甲状旁腺功能低下者89例(8.7%),出现有症状低钙血症者42例(4.1%);治疗及随访6个月～2年甲状旁腺激素以及血钙水平均恢复正常.原位保护甲状旁腺3和4枚的患者术后出现PTH降低者(69/999)较保护1和2枚的患者(20/20)显著减少,低钙血症症状的发生比率也显著减少(分别为25/999和17/20),差异有统计学意义(P值均<0.01).结论 甲状旁腺的原位保护是预防术后永久性甲状旁腺功能低下的有效手段.     

Parathyroid hormone: an early predictor of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a correlation between the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) soon after thyroidectomy and the development of hypocalcemia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective series of 40 consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy or completion thyroidectomy between January 2001 and October 2002. METHOD: Ionized calcium was measured before surgery and at 1, 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery. PTH was measured before surgery and at 1 and 6 hours after surgery using an assay that accurately measures low levels of PTH. Patients were followed up at 1 week and 3 months after surgery with respect to their symptoms and need for calcium supplementation. Clinically significant hypocalcemia was defined as an ionized calcium level of less than or equal to 0.9 mmol/L. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was 30% (12/40). The mean PTH level 1 hour after surgery was much lower in patients who ultimately became hypocalcemic than in those who remained normocalcemic (3.8+/- 1.9 vs. 33 +/- 21 pg/mL, P =.001). All patients with a PTH level less than or equal to 8 pg/mL 1 hour after surgery developed hypocalcemia, whereas all those with greater than or equal to 9 pg/mL remained normocalcemic. CONCLUSIONS: A single PTH level of less than or equal to 8 pg/mL 1 hour postthyroidectomy is a strong predictor for the development of clinically significant hypocalcemia. Once validated, this test may serve to identify those who require more intensive monitoring, prompt early therapy in those deemed at risk, and enable confident early discharge in the majority of thyroidectomy patients.     

Prevention of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis by demonstration of the nerve during thyroid surgery

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is one of the major complications of thyroid surgery. The importance of dissection and exploration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery remains controversial. METHODS: 74 thyroid gland operations with obligatory dissection and exploration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve were analysed. RESULTS: 118 recurrent laryngeal nerves were explorated in these operations. Transitory postoperative vocal cord paralysis was observed in 4 patients. In one patient vocal cord paralysis was permanent. This results in a transitory vocal cord paralysis rate of 3.4 % and a permanent vocal cord paralysis rate of 0.85 %. DISCUSSION: Our results and the literature review indicate that dissection and visualization of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can reduce the risk of permanent paralysis to a minimum. Obviously mechanical trauma like compression and crushing due to dissection do not increase incidence of permanent nerval disorders. Certain dissection and identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery is recommended in principle.     

Clinical course of incidental parathyroidectomy: Single center experience

Objective

Thyroidectomy is a very common surgical procedure. Regardless of surgeon experience, incidental parathyroidectomy is a complication of thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical course of incidental parathyroidectomies after thyroidectomy.

Preoperative vitamin D level as a post-total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia predictor: a prospective study

IntroductionHypocalcemia is one of the most common complications after total thyroidectomy. Preoperative serum vitamin D concentration has been postulated as a risk factor for this complication. However, the subject is still controversial and the role of vitamin D in the occurrence of hypocalcemia remains uncertain.ObjectiveTo evaluate the capability of preoperative vitamin D concentrations in predicting post-total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.MethodsForty-seven total thyroidectomy patients were prospectively evaluated for serum 25(OH) vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone before surgery, Calcium every 6 hours, and parathyroid hormone 8 hours post-operatively. Patients were divided according to postoperative corrected calcium into groups without (corrected calcium ≥8.5 mg/dL) and with hypocalcemia (corrected calcium <8.5 mg/dL), who were then evaluated for preoperative 25(OH) vitamin D values.ResultsA total of 72.3% of cases presented altered 25(OH) vitamin D preoperative serum concentrations and 51% evolved with postoperative hypocalcemia. The with and without hypocalcemia groups did not differ for preoperative 25(OH) vitamin D (p = 0.62). Univariate analysis showed that age (p = 0.03), postoperative PTH concentration (p = 0.02), and anatomopathological diagnosis of malignancy (p = 0.002) were predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia. In multivariate analysis only parathyroid hormone in postoperative (p = 0.02) was associated with post-total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.ConclusionPreoperative serum concentrations of 25(OH) vitamin D were not predictors for post-total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, whereas postoperative parathyroid hormone influenced the occurrence of this complication.     

The effect of lateral neck dissection on complication rate for total thyroidectomy

PurposeTo determine the complication profile for total thyroidectomy with and without concomitant lateral neck dissection using a large administrative database.Materials and methodsThe IBM MarketScan® Commercial Database (2010–2014) analytic cohort was queried for patients ≥18 years or older undergoing total thyroidectomy (or equivalent procedures) from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients undergoing concomitant unilateral and bilateral lateral neck dissection. The complication profiles were described.Results55,204 patients underwent total thyroidectomy or equivalent procedures. Hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia was coded in 20.3% overall, with 4.7% having permanent hypoparathyroidism. Vocal cord paralysis was coded in 3.3% overall with permanent rate of 0.7%. Tracheotomy was performed in 0.3% of patients. 2743 underwent total thyroidectomy with concomitant unilateral lateral neck dissection, and 560 of these patients underwent bilateral lateral neck dissection. In patients undergoing unilateral lateral neck dissection, 30.5% of patients have hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia coded, with a permanent rate of 8.8%. Vocal cord paralysis was coded in 8.3% of patients, with a permanent rate of 1.9%. Tracheotomy was performed in 1.2% of patients. In patients undergoing bilateral lateral neck dissection, 39.6% had hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia coded, with a permanent rate of 10.9%. These patients had vocal cord paralysis coded in 10.2% of cases, with a permanent rate of 2.1%. Tracheotomy was performed in 2.5% of patients.ConclusionThe addition of unilateral and especially bilateral lateral neck dissection increases both overall and permanent complication rates for total thyroidectomy. These data may help to inform preoperative discussions with patients.