High rate of recurrence after lobectomy for solitary thyroid nodule.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients treated by lobectomy for solitary thyroid nodule. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 83 patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule. INTERVENTIONS: Preoperative ultrasonography showed a solitary nodule in 32 patients and this finding was confirmed intraoperatively in 24 cases (77%). 59 patients with multinodular goitres were treated by total thyroidectomy and 24 with solitary nodule by lobectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications and freedom from nodule recurrence and/or parenchymal irregularity. RESULTS: One patient after lobectomy and 3 after total thyroidectomy developed temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Postoperative temporary hypoparathyroidism occurred in 13 patients (22%) after total thyroidectomy and in no patient after lobectomy (p = 0.02). Neither permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury nor permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred after either procedure. Among patients who underwent lobectomy, 6 had an adenoma and 18 had a nodular hyperplasia. At 4-year follow-up, the freedom rate from any thyroid nodule recurrence or parenchymal irregularity was 44.7%, and the freedom rate from nodular recurrence was 74%. Men tended to have a 4-year freedom rate from nodular relapse poorer than women (48% vs. 87%. p = 0.07). Nodular recurrence occurred in one patient operated on for an adenoma, and all the other recurrences occurred in patients with nodular hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term freedom rate from thyroid nodule recurrence or parenchymal irregularity after lobectomy for solitary nodule of the thyroid is unsatisfactory. This observation calls for a better evaluation of long-term results after lobectomy for this condition and identification of risk factors predictive of recurrence. This would enable a more appropriate preoperative selection of patients undergoing lobectomy, indicating total thyroidectomy for those patients with solitary nodule at high risk of recurrence.     

Total thyroidectomy is the preferred treatment for patients with Graves' disease and a thyroid nodule.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the indications and outcomes of total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease in a North American cohort. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective database of 297 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy in a tertiary care center identified 49 patients with Graves'. RESULTS: There were 37 women and 12 men (mean age, 37.9 years). Common indications for surgery were: refusal of radioactive iodine (20%), thyroid storm (18%), a thyroid nodule (16%), failure of I131(14%), and ophthalmopathy (14%). Complications included: symptomatic hypocalcemia (14%), permanent hypoparathyroidism (0%), and symptoms of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (0%). Graves' patients had more bleeding (117 mL versus 48 mL, P<0.05). Clinical nodules were malignant in 38%. Papillary thyroid carcinoma occurred in 10% of patients, with 60% multifocal, and 60% lymph node metastases. CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy for Graves' has minimal morbidity. Patients with Graves' and a thyroid nodule are at an increased risk for malignancy and should be treated with a total thyroidectomy.     

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??Application and assessment of total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules ZHANG Hao. Department of General Surgery??the First Hospital of China Medical University??Shenyang 110001??China
Abstract Thyroid nodule is a common disease in clinical practice. Although the majority of thyroid nodules have been found to be benign. Some of them need to be surgically excised when meeting the indications. The thyroid operations include lobectomy??subtotal thyroidectomy and total/near total thyroidectomy??etc. The preferred operation for benign thyroid nodules remains controversial. Less extensive resection may be related to a higher risk of recurrence. While more extensive resection may be associated with a higher risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or hypoparathyroidism. Total thyroidectomy has been used to treat benign thyroid nodules for a long history. It is an operation that can be safely performed nowadays??with low incidence of permanent complications. It has been the optimal surgery that can prevent recurrence and avoid reoperation in cases of benign thyroid nodules such as multiple nodular goiter in foreign countries since a long time ago. It is also suggested to perform the operation in case of bilateral benign thyroid nodules with surgical indications given the different technical levels of surgeons and different situation of individual patient in China.     

Emergencies in thyroid surgery. Our experience

The rate of complications after thyroid surgery is about 5% and among these real emergencies account for less than 1%, consisting in intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, bilateral recurrent palsy, severe hypoparathyroidism and, rarely, laryngeal oedema and tracheomalacia. Between 2000 and 2004 849 patients were submitted to total thyroidectomy for various thyroid pathologies in our institution. Complications observed were postoperative bleeding in 13 patients (1.5%), laryngeal recurrent nerve palsy in 18 (monolateral in 14 - 8 transient and 6 permanent - and bilateral in 4, 3 of which transient), transient hypoparathyroidism in 390 (45.9%), permanent hypoparathyroidism in 10 (out of 400 patients followed up for more than one year = 2.5%). Tetanic crises were observed in 33 patients (3.9%). One patient, on treatment with heparin, showed a glottic haemorrhagic oedema (probably caused by trauma after endotracheal intubation) treated by an emergency tracheotomy on postoperative day two. Thyroid surgery is today very safe and morbidity is rare. Anatomical knowledge and accuracy of surgical indications are the main factors capable of reducing the number of complications. Experience in performing thyroid surgery is essential for the best outcome with the fewest complications. Complications of total thyroidectomy can be minimised with increasing experience and refinement of surgical technique.     

甲状腺全切除术的适应证及安全性分析

目的探讨甲状腺全切术的手术适应证以及并发症的防治。方法回顾性分析2009年1月至2011年12月期间在笔者所在医院接受甲状腺全切除术的85例患者的临床资料。85例中甲状腺癌46例,结节性甲状腺肿38例,桥本甲状腺炎1例。分析其手术过程以及术后并发症。结果术后病理检查提示46例甲状腺癌中9例（19.6%）为双侧癌;38例结节性甲状腺肿患者均为双侧多发结节。全部患者均解剖出2条喉返神经,有4例患者的喉返神经被肿瘤侵犯,其中1条喉返神经被切除。有5例患者术中未能明确看到并保留甲状旁腺,其余患者均保留了1枚或以上的甲状旁腺。有2例患者术后发生出血需再次手术止血;有6例患者术后出现声音嘶哑,除1例喉返神经被切除者之外,其余患者声音均恢复正常;33例（38.8%）患者出现一过性低钙血症症状;2例患者出现永久性甲状旁腺功能低下。结论甲状腺全切除术是治疗双侧结节性甲状腺肿和甲状腺癌的安全术式,术中显露喉返神经与鉴别甲状旁腺可有效防止相应并发症的发生。肿瘤侵犯喉返神经并不一定导致患者声音嘶哑。     

Surveillance and Intervention After Thyroid Lobectomy

Background

After thyroid lobectomy, many patients require ongoing care. This study sought to quantify the rates of surveillance and intervention after thyroid lobectomy.

Methods

One hundred one consecutive patients who underwent a thyroid lobectomy for nodular disease were evaluated. Clinical and follow-up data were obtained by a review of patient charts and included an evaluation of resource utilization related to thyroid disease.

Results

Nineteen patients required completion thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, and 11 had hypothyroidism before lobectomy. Of the remaining evaluable patients, 30 (42.2%) of 71 required thyroid hormone replacement after lobectomy, with 24 patients having elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone and 6 suppression of nodules in the contralateral lobe. The likelihood of thyroid hormone replacement demonstrated a trend with a contralateral nodule (9 of 14 vs. 21 of 57, P = 0.06) and a significant association with thyroiditis on surgical pathology (10 of 11 vs. 20 of 60, P < 0.001). Of the 82 patients who did not undergo completion lobectomy, 10 (12%) of 82 underwent postoperative fine-needle aspiration of the contralateral lobe, and 25 (30%) of 82 were followed with ultrasound surveillance. Only 27% of patients treated with lobectomy required no further surveillance or intervention. There were no instances of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Conclusions

After thyroid lobectomy, most patients require continued surveillance and intervention. With a near-zero complication rate, total thyroidectomy may be a more effective and efficient option for management of nodular thyroid disease.     

甲状腺全切除术治疗良性甲状腺疾病128例临床疗效

目的：探讨甲状腺全切除术治疗甲状腺良性疾病的疗效及术后并发症的预防。方法：回顾性分析128例行甲状腺全切除术的甲状腺良性疾病病人的临床资料,其中首次手术者98例,再次手术者30例。分析总结该128例病人的术后并发症。结果：128例病人术后均未发生永久性甲状旁腺功能低下和永久性喉返神经损伤。首次甲状腺全切除组术后暂时性喉返神经损伤和暂时性甲状旁腺功能低下的发生率均为1．02％,再次手术组的发生率明显增高,分别为10．00％和13．33％,两组比较,Fisher精确概率P分别为0．040、0．011。两组暂时性喉上神经损伤发生率均很低,无明显差别。结论：对符合指征的良性甲状腺疾病,甲状腺全切除术是一合适的治疗选择。熟悉甲状腺解剖和精细手术操作,可有效预防并发症发生。     

全甲状腺切除在甲状腺良性结节治疗中应用及评价

甲状腺结节临床常见,尽管大部分为良性,但有手术指征时应行手术治疗,手术方式主要包括腺叶切除、甲状腺次全切除和全（近全）甲状腺切除等。甲状腺良性结节的手术方式目前尚存争议,若切除范围过小,结节复发风险增加,可能须再次手术;切除范围过大,则可能增加喉返神经损伤及甲状旁腺功能减退等并发症发生风险。全甲状腺切除因其能彻底切除病变,降低复发风险,避免再次手术,且并发症无明显增加,已成为国外治疗结节性甲状腺肿等良性甲状腺结节的首选术式。在我国,应综合考虑医生的技术水平、病人的个体情况及意愿等因素,可以考虑对具有手术指征的双叶甲状腺良性结节采用全甲状腺切除术。     

甲状腺全切除术治疗甲状腺良性疾病

目的　探讨甲状腺全切除术治疗甲状腺良性疾病的安全性和临床意义。方法　对 88例甲状腺良性疾病患者进行甲状腺全切除术 ,并对手术并发症进行分析。结果　首次甲状腺全切除术暂时性甲状旁腺功能低下和暂时性喉返神经损伤的发生率分别为 2 .5 %和 1.2 % ,再次手术的并发症明显增高 ,分别为 2 8.6 % (P<0 .0 5 )和2 8.6 % (P<0 .0 1)。术后患者均未发生永久性甲状旁腺功能低下和永久性喉返神经损伤。结论　首次甲状腺全切除术安全可行 ,能避免因组织残留所致的病变复发 ,降低再手术率     

Completion thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Completion thyroidectomy is performed because of a deferred diagnosis of differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid or a significant thyroid remnant after initial operation. During a period of 6 years, data from 40 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma undergoing completion thyroidectomy were retrospectively reviewed. There were 4 men and 36 women (1:9), and the average age was 39.6 ± 1.9 years (range, 20 to 62 years). The indications for the initial surgery were a solitary thyroid nodule in 36 (90%) patients, multinodular goiter in 3 (7.5%) patients, and Graves’ disease in 1 (2.5%) patient. Three patients underwent completion thyroidectomy during the same hospital stay. In the remaining 37 patients, completion thyroidectomy was performed 4 to 252 days (44.1 ± 7.8 days) after the initial operation. The length of hospital stay for the initial operation was not different from that for completion thyroidectomy (5.1 ± 0.3 days vs. 5.2 ± 0.3 days). The length of time needed to accomplish the initial operation was not different from that required for the completion thyroidectomy (122 ± 7.5 minutes vs. 110.8 ± 5.9 minutes). There was no 30-day perioperative mortality. The postoperative morbidity in completion thyroidectomy consisted of transient hypoparathyroidism in 3 (7.5%) patients, permanent hypoparathyroidism in 1 (2.5%) patient, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 1 (2.5%) patient, and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 1 (2.5%) patient. On the other hand, one transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and one transient hypoparathyroidism occurred at the initial operation. Completion thyroidectomy is a safe procedure to remove the thyroid remnant. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:896-9.)     

Reoperative surgery for thyroid disease

Background and aims Reoperative surgery for thyroid disease is rare. However, it is sometimes indicated for nodular recurrence after partial surgery for initially benign thyroid disease or for a completion total thyroidectomy when a final diagnosis of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) is confirmed on a permanent section of a partially removed thyroid gland. This surgery can expose the patient to postoperative complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy or hypoparathyroidism. The aims of our study were to describe the population subjected to reoperative thyroid surgery and to evaluate postoperative morbidity to find the risk factor. Patients and methods The present study is a retrospective analysis of our experience with completion thyroidectomy: 685 consecutive patients underwent this procedure in a 14-year period, for a recurrent uninodular (85 patients) or multinodular (333 patients) goiter, recurrent thyrotoxicosis (42 patients), or a completion thyroidectomy for WDTC after partial resection of the thyroid gland (225 patients). The operative technique was standardized with identification of the RLN and parathyroid glands before removal of the thyroid gland. l-Thyroxin treatment was started the day after surgery. Postoperative rates of suffocating hematoma, wound infection, RLN palsy, hypoparathyroidism, and persistence or recurrence of hyperthyroidism were studied and compared to the same parameters in patients who underwent primary bilateral thyroid gland resection during the same period. Results The transient morbidity rate was 8%, with 5% hypoparathyroidism, 1.2% RLN palsy, 0.9% suffocating hematoma, and 0.2% wound infection. These results were higher than those from cases of primary thyroid resection for bilateral disease. Within the secondary surgery group, postoperative complications depended on the mean weight of the resected thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism, and the bilaterality of thyroid exploration during the previous surgery. The permanent morbidity rate was 3.8%, including 1.5% RLN palsy and 2.5% hypoparathyroidism. Permanent complication rates were higher than those for primary thyroid resection. Incidental carcinoma was found in 92 patients (13%): 10% (42 of 418) in patients with recurrent euthyroid nodular disease, 7% (3 of 42) in patients with recurrent hyperthyroidism, and 21% (47 of 225) in patients who underwent a completion thyroidectomy for cancer. Conclusion Because reoperative thyroid surgery can lead to potential complications, especially permanent RLN palsy or hypoparathyroidism, it should be reserved for patients who need it. The importance of respecting specific technical rules should be emphasized.     

甲状腺乳头状癌区域淋巴结清扫与131I治疗的对比分析

目的:比较甲状腺乳头状癌中央组淋巴结清扫与131Ⅰ辅助治疗的临床效果.方法:选择5年半内收治的390例甲状腺乳头状癌cN0患者的临床资料行回顾性分析,患者分别行甲状腺全切除+中央组淋巴结清扫(A组),甲状腺全切除+术后131Ⅰ治疗(B组)和单纯甲状腺全切除术(C组).结果:中央组淋巴结清扫组(A组)与非清扫组(B+C组)各种术后并发症(喉返神经损伤、喉上神经损伤、甲状旁腺功能低下)发生率差异无统计学意义(均P＞0.05);B组131I治疗后放射病发生率为51.5％.3组术后5年复发率与转移率比较,A组中央区复发率分别为0,明显低于B组(7.7％)和C组(13.8％)(均P＜0.05);A,B,C组颈侧区转移率及无影像学证据血清甲状腺球蛋白升高率依次增高(1.5％,6.2％,9.2％;3.1％,7.7％,15.4％),其中A组与C组间差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).B组平均住院日最长,住院费用最高,与A,C组比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).结论:甲状腺乳头状癌患者常规行中央组淋巴清扫有助于降低复发率,且无增加手术并发症风险;131I治疗不能完全代替淋巴结清扫术,且患者并发症、住院日和费用增加.     

Extensive surgery improves recurrence-free survival for children and young patients with class I papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Children with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) rarely die of their disease, but are at high risk for recurrence, particularly with multifocal tumors (which occur in 42% of children with PTC). It is not clear if more extensive surgery, with an increased risk of complications, lessens the risk for recurrence. The authors hypothesized that patients with disease presumed to be confined to the thyroid gland (class I PTC) could have multifocal disease, involving the contralateral lobe, of which the surgeon is unaware. Treatment with less than subtotal thyroidectomy might be associated with a higher risk of recurrence. METHODS: The charts of 37 patients with Class I PTC diagnosed at < or =21 years of age between 1953 and 1996 were reviewed. The incidence of surgical complications and the risk of recurrence based on the extent of initial surgery ([1] lobectomy with or without isthmusectomy, [2] subtotal, or [3] total thyroidectomy) and adjunctive therapy with thyroid hormone or radioactive iodine (RAI) were examined. RESULTS: Eight patients had recurrent PTC. Patients treated with lobectomy with or without isthmusectomy were more likely to have recurrence than patients treated with subtotal or total thyroidectomy (Odds ratio, 8.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 54). Although the incidence of complications was statistically similar among the 3 surgical groups, 3 patients, all treated with more extensive surgery, had permanent hypoparathyroidism. There were too few patients to determine whether treatment with thyroid hormone or RAI offered additional benefit. CONCLUSIONS: In children with Class I PTC, more extensive surgery is associated with a lower risk of recurrence. This finding must be weighed against the risk of complications when determining the optimal treatment for individual patients.     

甲状旁腺的术中观察及术后甲状旁腺功能减退的探讨

目的在甲状腺手术中认识甲状旁腺的局部解剖及甲状腺手术切除范围和甲状旁腺功能减退的关系,探讨术后甲状旁腺功能减退的原因及预防治疗措施。方法回顾2582例甲状腺手术患者的临床资料并术后随访。结果其中对721例双侧甲状腺侧叶全切者行术中探察,发现甲状腺病理状态下甲状旁腺的局部解剖位置及数量变异大,探察到的每种情况术后暂时性甲状旁腺功能减退发生率各不相同,其中上下甲状旁腺双侧均不明显组永久性甲状旁腺功能减退发生1例。2453例手术中行甲状腺部分切除、单侧叶次全切除、单侧叶全切除、双侧叶全切除、双侧叶全切及颈淋巴结清扫者（即甲状腺癌根治）暂时性甲状旁腺功能减退发生率依次增高,其中以双侧叶次全切除暂时性甲状旁腺功能减退发生率最高。且又因甲状腺疾病病种各不相同,甲状旁腺功能减退发生率亦各不相同。结论术后甲状旁腺功能减退的发生与手术操作、甲状旁腺的局部解剖及其变异、甲状腺手术切除范围、巨大甲状腺及其内巨大包块对双侧甲状腺后被膜深面组织的压迫,甲状腺疾病病种不同而手术难度各异等皆有关系。     

Complications of Thyroid Surgery: Analysis of a Multicentric Study on 14,934 Patients Operated on in Italy over 5 Years

Complication rates associated with thyroid surgery can be evaluated only through analysis of case studies and follow-up data. This study covers postoperative data from 14,934 patients subjected to a follow-up of 5 years. Among them, 3130 (20.9%) underwent total lobectomy (TL), 9599 (64.3%) total thyroidectomy (TT), 1448 (9.7%) subtotal thyroidectomy with a monolateral remnant (MRST), and 757 (5.1%) subtotal thyroidectomy with bilateral remnants (BRST). A total of 6% of the patients had already been operated on. Persistent hypoparathyroidism occurred after 1.7% of all the operations, and temporary hypoparathyroidism was noted in 8.3%. Permanent palsy of the laryngeal recurrent nerve (LRN) occurred in 1.0% of patients, transient palsy in 2.0%, and diplegia in 0.4%. The superior laryngeal nerve was damaged in 3.7%; dysphagia occurred in 1.4% of cases, hemorrhage in 1.2%, and wound infection in 0.3%. No deaths were reported. A significant rate of LRN damage was noted, which has an important impact on the patients social life. Hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy is an important complication that can be successfully treated by therapy, although it is not always easily managed in special circumstances such as in young persons or pregnant women. The complications associated with thyroid surgery must be kept in mind so the surgeon can carefully evaluate the surgical and medical therapeutic options, have more precise surgical indications, and be able to give the patient adequate information.     

Morbidity of Redo Surgery for Thyroid Disease

Objective: Redo thyroid surgery is generally associated with more complications than firsthand surgery. The actual study reports a single center experience of redo thyroid surgery compared to primary bilateral thyroidectomy. Study Design: Mono institutional retrospective study.

Materials and Methods: Institutional review of redo thyroid surgery patients (Group 2: completion thyroidectomy and Group 3: thyroidectomy for recurrent thyroid diseases) compared to Group 1: primary bilateral thyroidectomy operated on during the same time interval.

Results: Demographic characteristics were not different between groups. Substernal extension and hyperthyroidism were more frequent in group 1. Weight of the resected thyroid gland was lower in groups 2 and 3. Incidence of transient hypocalcemia, permanent hypoparathyroidism, transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal palsy was not different between the groups. Hematoma occurred in 5% of cases in the 3 groups and postoperative length of stay was 1 day in 92% of cases of the 3 groups.

Conclusions : Redo thyroid surgery can be performed with no excess morbidity provided strict selection criteria, having reoperation in mind while performing firsthand intervention.     

Fifteen years' experience in thyroid surgery

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid disease is common, thyroid cancer is uncommon. Most goitres are investigated using blood tests, fine needle aspiration cytology together with ultrasound. Surgery usually entails either lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, and for malignancy, patients may need a neck dissection. Recently, significant advances have been made regarding mechanisms involved in both thyroid growth and function (goitrogenesis) and carcinogenesis at a molecular level.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the study cohort, 1113 patients had benign disease and 387 malignancy. For benign disease, 716 patients had lobectomy or isthmusectomy, 44 had near-total thyroidectomy and 318 a total thyroidectomy. For malignancy, patients received initial lobectomy (180) or total thyroidectomy (152). One hundred and eleven had completion surgery. Thirty patients had extensive surgery. Thyroid growth and function was investigated using 500 human thyroid cell primary cultures obtained at surgery, as well as in three animal models. The role of pituitary tumour transforming gene (PTTG), PTTG binding factor (PBF) and sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in thyroid cell function was then evaluated.

RESULTS

Temporary and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rates were 2.4% and 0.4%. Other complications included temporary (21%) and permanent (3%) hypoparathyroidism, wound infection (1.2%), haematoma (1.2%) and poor scar (0.8%). Six patients have died. Regarding thyroid growth and function, TSH represents (either directly or indirectly) the main factor mediating thyroid follicular cell growth. For carcinogenesis, over-expression of the proto-oncogenes PTTG and PBF induces tumours in nude mice, and PTTG can induce proliferation of human thyroid cells and, in addition, both repress expression and function of NIS.     

Surgical treatment of solitary thyroid nodule

In this report we examine the surgery of solitary thyroid nodules, outlining the operations performed and the diagnostic-instrumental procedures aimed at identifying the degree of malignancy of the lesion. If intraoperative cytological and histological examination of a nodule show that it is benign, we perform lobectomy. In a total of 400 cases, we performed 52 (13%) nodule resections, 276 (69%) hemithyroidectomies, and 72 (18%) extended resections comprising the isthmus and Laluette pyramid. Twenty-five patients (5%) were affected by differentiated cancers arising in the nodule. In this group, the carcinoma diagnosis, revealed by fine the needle aspiration and confirmed at the intraoperative examination, allowed us to perform a total thyroidectomy in a single session in 21 cases (84%); more specifically, total thyroidectomy only was performed in 14 (56%) cases, while in 7 cases (28%) a laterocervical lymph-node resection was also necessary due to the presence of lymph nodes of increased volume. We had three cases with lesions of the recurrent nerve (0.6%) and 30 with irritation of the superior laryngeal nerve (6%) which caused temporary hypoaesthesia of the larynx and hoarseness. Moreover, four patients (8%) presented temporary postoperative hypoparathyroidism. No instances of permanent hypoparathyroidism were observed. The report concludes by analysing a number of surgical techniques for the treatment of solitary thyroid nodules.     

Thyroid hormone replacement following lobectomy: Long-term institutional analysis 15 years after surgery

BackgroundThe decision to pursue lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy is highly individualized. The rate of thyroid hormone replacement therapy after lobectomy varies considerably (15%–48%) and studies are limited by short-term follow-up. We sought to assess long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy-requirement for lobectomy.MethodsPatients undergoing lobectomy from January 2005 to July 2010 at an academic institution were reviewed. Demographic, laboratory, pathology, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy use were compared.ResultsIn total, 235 patients were included. The rate of thyroid hormone replacement therapy after lobectomy was 46.8% (110/235). The majority were female (84.7%), with a mean age of 52 ± 1 years, 97% with benign pathology, and the median duration of follow-up was 7.2 years. Among the 110 thyroid hormone replacement therapy, the mean postoperative thyroid stimulating hormone level 9.08 ± 0.96m IU/L and the time to thyroid hormone replacement therapy-initiation was 621 days; 24% started therapy ≥2 years after surgery. There was no difference in age, sex, or malignancy. Hashimoto thyroiditis was diagnosed in 21.8% patients who underwent thyroid hormone replacement therapy versus 8.0% of those without thyroid hormone replacement therapy (odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–6.79; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, only Hashimoto thyroiditis was independently associated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy use (odds ratio 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–6.6; P = .012).ConclusionWith long-term follow-up, nearly 50% of patients who underwent lobectomy for benign disease required thyroid hormone replacement therapy and nearly one-quarter of these patients not starting until ≥2 years after surgery. Therefore, patients who undergo thyroid lobectomy should be counseled appropriately and thyroid function followed for a minimum of 2 years.     

Rolle der totalen Thyreoidektomie im primären Therapiekonzept der benignen Knotenstruma

INTRODUCTION: After subtotal resection of multinodular goiter, rates of up to 40% are reported for recurrent goiter in the long-term follow-up. Because of the increased morbidity of surgery for recurrent goiter, this study evaluated the preconditions that would justify total thyroidectomy as part of the primary therapy concept for benign multinodular goiter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Quality Assurance Study of Benign and Malignant Goiter covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 1998 assessed 5195 patients treated for benign goiter by primary bilateral resection. With respect to the extent of resection three groups were analyzed: bilateral subtotal resection (ST+ST, n=4580), subtotal resection with contralateral lobectomy (ST+HT, n=527), and total thyroidectomy (TT, n=88). RESULTS: The age of the patients was significantly higher (60.3 years) in the TT group than in the ST+ST (52.5 years) and ST+HT (55.6 years) groups. ASA classification grades III and IV were significantly more frequent in the TT group. The postoperative morbidity increased with the extent of resection. The rate of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy was 0.8% for ST+ST, 1.4% for ST+HT, and 2.3% for TT and of permanent hypoparathyroidism 1.5% for ST+ST, 2.8% for ST+HT, and 12.5% for TT. Multivariate analysis showed that the extent of resection significantly increased the risk of RLN palsy (transient RR 0.5, permanent RR 0.4) and hypoparathyroidism (transient RR 0.2,permanent RR 0.08). The surgeon's experience (RR 0.6) and identification of the RLN (RR 0.5) reduced the risk of permanent RLN palsy. Additionally, the development of permanent hypoparathyroidism was reduced if at least two parathyroid glands (RR 0.4) were identified. CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy is associated with an increased rate of RLN palsies and hypoparathyroidism in comparison to less extensive thyroid surgery. In the hands of well-trained surgeons using an appropriate intraoperative technique, primary thyroidectomy is justified if the patient has an increased risk of recurrent goiter. Due to the increased postoperative morbidity after total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroid resection based on the morphologic changes in the thyroid gland is still recommended as the standard treatment regimen for multinodular goiter.