Hypothyroidism After Hemithyroidectomy

Background

The risk of hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy is variable, and most estimates come from single institutional studies. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of hypothyroidism at the population level, and to evaluate predictive factors for hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy.

Methods

This retrospective study identified euthyroid patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy between 2000 and 2010 for benign disease in Kaiser Permanente Southern California regional hospitals. The incidence of hypothyroidism [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels >4 μIU/ml] was analyzed. The independent effect of age-quartile, gender, race, thyroiditis, and preoperative TSH level on the development of hypothyroidism was evaluated.

Results

Of 1,240 euthyroid patients identified, 417 (34 %) developed hypothyroidism, and 314 (25 % of total group) needed levothyroxine. Hypothyroidism was more common in age-quartile 2 (32 %), age-quartile 3 (37 %), and age-quartile 4 (42 %) than in age-quartile 1 (25 %) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.87; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.27–2.76, p = 0.002; age-quartile 4 compared to age-quartile 1]. Hypothyroidism was more frequent with increasing preoperative TSH levels 36, 72, and 92 % in patients with TSH levels of 1.0–2, 2.01–3, and 3.01–4 μIU/ml, respectively, compared to 17 % in those with TSH levels <1 μIU/ml [adjusted OR = 45.1; 95 % CI 13.5–151, p < 0.0001; 3.01–4 μIU/ml compared to <1 μIU/ml]. Thyroiditis was also an independent predictor of hypothyroidism.

Conclusions

About one third of euthyroid patients who undergo hemithyroidectomy develop hypothyroidism. The most significant predictor is the preoperative TSH level, with an approximate doubling of risk for each 1 unit of TSH increase over 1 μIU/ml. Our categorical scale is simple and allows for easy recall when counseling patients preoperatively.     

Clinicopathologic predictors for early and late biochemical hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy

BackgroundBiochemical hypothyroidism (BH) after hemithyroidectomy is an under-recognized complication with a reported incidence of 9% to 43%. This study aimed to identify potential clinicopathologic risk factors associated with early (<12 months after hemithyroidectomy) and late-onset (≥12 months after hemithyroidectomy) BH.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2008 there were 263 postsurgical patients who were eligible for analysis. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level was checked regularly after surgery. Postoperative TSH reaching a level higher than 5.5 mIU/L was defined as BH. The overall median follow-up period was 21 months (range, 3–62 mo). Any clinicopathologic factors significantly associated with BH in the univariate analysis were entered into multivariate analysis. A further analysis was performed comparing factors between early and late-onset BH.ResultsThere were 38 patients who developed subsequent BH, 33 of these cases developed within 2 years. Those patients with BH were significantly older (P = .037), had a higher preoperative TSH level (P < .001), longer follow-up period (P < .001), more frequent thyroiditis on histology (P = .043), lighter resected tissue weight (P = .001), and were more likely to have positive antimicrosomal antibodies (P = .043) than those without BH. However, in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for different follow-up periods in the 2 groups, only lighter resected tissue weight (P = .036) and concomitant thyroiditis on histology (P = .005) turned out to be independent factors for BH. Thyroiditis on histology was also the only significant risk factor for developing early onset BH.ConclusionsPatients with lighter resected tissue weight and concomitant thyroiditis on histology were particularly at risk for subsequent BH. Although not all patients with thyroiditis developed BH, in those who did develop BH it occurred within the first 11 months.     

Hypothyroidisim following hemithyroidectomy: incidence, risk factors, and management

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to characterize the hypothyroidism that occurs following hemithyroidectomy. METHODS: The records of all euthyroid patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy from 1992 to 2000 were reviewed to determine the frequency of postsurgical hypothyroidism and the predisposing factors. All patients were evaluated for age, gender, serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels, weight of resected thyroid tissue, and associated thyroiditis. Hypothyroid patients were evaluated for symptoms, timing of diagnosis, and treatment doses of levothyroxine (L-T(4)). RESULTS: Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 25 (35%) of 71 patients, subclinical in 16 and overt in 9 with a mean postoperative TSH level of 8.51 +/- 6.53 microIU/L. The mean preoperative TSH level was 1.94 +/- 1.00 microIU/L in hypothyroid compared with 1.10 +/- 0.74 microIU/L in euthyroid patients (P <.05). Lymphocytic thyroiditis was present in 10 (40%) of 25 hypothyroid compared with 10 (22%) of 46 euthyroid patients (P = not significant). There were no significant differences in age, gender, or weight of resected thyroid tissue. The average therapeutic dose of L-T(4) was 1.3 microg/kg (range, 0.5 to 1.9 microg/kg). All but 2 hypothyroid patients were diagnosed within 2 months of operation. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy occurs in patients with higher preoperative TSH levels, is usually mild and asymptomatic, and can be treated with reduced doses of L-T(4).     

Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Benign Multinodular Goiter: A 6-Month Postoperative Study of the Remnant’s Function and Sonographic Aspect

Background The purpose was to evaluate the thyroid function after subtotal thyroidectomy. Methods One hundred and nineteen patients operated on for multinodular benign goiter were included in this prospective study. Results of the surgical treatment were evaluated 6 months after operation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assay and cervical echography. Results Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels correlated inversely (r = −0.78) with the thyroid remnant volumes. Forty-seven patients presented with a hypoechoic aspect of the remnant. Isoechoic and hypoechoic remnant volumes were similar; however, 46 of the 47 patients with a hypoechoic remnant (97.9%) had TSH levels higher than 5 mU/l vs. 39 of the 72 patients (54.2%) with an isoechoic aspect. No predictive factor for the occurrence of this hypoechoic feature was found. Conclusions After sub-total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter, the volume of the remnant is not the only determinant of the occurrence of postoperative hypothyroidism. The appearance of a hypoechoic aspect of the remnant is also a strong predictive factor for such an outcome. In this case the occurrence of hypothyroidism is quite constant whatever the volume of the thyroid remnant. Since this evolution toward a hypoechoic aspect of the remnant is unpredictable, our results are an additional argument in favor of total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter.     

Subclinical Hypothyroidism Affects Postoperative Outcome of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether subclinical hypothyroidism could increase the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsA prospective case‐control study of 796 patients undergoing primary TKA between January 2015 and January 2020 was performed. A total of 700 patients (87.9%) were female and the average age of included patients was 65.0 years, with a standard deviation of 5.6. The participants who had subclinical hypothyroidism were referred to as the case group, while those without abnormal thyrotropin (TSH) were included in the control group (matched for age and gender). The fasting plasma levels of TSH were tested in the morning in all patients. The diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism was completed by a senior endocrinologist based on laboratory tests; namely, a serum TSH ≥ 5 mu/L and normal free thyroxine (FT4). Subclinical hypothyroidism was further described as mild (TSH < 10 mu/L) or severe (TSH ≥ 10 mu/L). The incidence of 90‐day postoperative complications was compared between two cohorts. Logistic regression analysis was used for the risk factors of 90‐day postoperative complications following TKA.ResultsA total of 398 patients had a diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism. Among them, 275 cases (69.1%) were described as mild (79 patients [19.8%] with low FT4 and 196 patients [49.2%] with normal FT4 in the repeated test) and 123 cases (30.9%) as severe subclinical hypothyroidism. Of the 196 patients (49.2%) with mild subclinical hypothyroidism and normal FT4, 63 patients (15.8%) had symptoms before surgery. Patients were followed up for an average duration of 25.4 months (6 to 43 months). A total of 265 patients (66.6%) received preoperative treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism, with an average therapy time of 9.2 months. There were 162 patients (40.7%) with positive autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (anti‐TPO). There were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between cohorts (all P > 0.05). As for the cumulative 90‐day outcomes, subclinical hypothyroidism increased the incidences of both medical and surgical complications following primary TKA compared to those without this condition (11.6% vs 7.2%, OR = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.47–1.62, P < 0.05). Subclinical hypothyroidism caused patients to suffer increased total incidence of readmission within the first 90 days after discharge when compared to those without this condition (20.61% vs 14.15%, OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.41–1.49, P < 0.001). Controlling for preoperative and intraoperative variables, the patients with TSH ≥ 10 mu/L and positive anti‐TPO and those without corrected subclinical hypothyroid and thyroid hormone supplementation were more likely to experience postoperative complications within 90 days of TKA.ConclusionSubclinical hypothyroidism might increase the risk of postoperative complications within 90 days of TKA, especially for the patients with TSH ≥ 10 mu/L and positive anti‐TPO and those without corrected subclinical hypothyroid and thyroid hormone supplementation.     

不同年龄患者甲状腺腺叶切除术后甲状腺功能变化的研究

目的：探讨不同年龄甲状腺良性肿瘤患者行单侧腺叶切除术后甲状腺功能的变化及激素替代治疗的必要性。 方法：将120例因甲状腺良性肿瘤行单侧腺叶切除术的患者根据年龄不同分为青年组（≤30岁,23例）、中年组（<30~<60岁,69例）、老年组（≥60岁,28例）,检测各组患者术前及术后1周,1、3、6个月,1、2年游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸（FT3）、游离甲状腺素（FT4）和促甲状腺激素（TSH）水平。 结果：青年组FT3水平在术后1周、1个月时较术前明显降低（P<0.05）,后期各时间点则与术前无统计学差异（P>0.05）;FT4水平术后各时间较术前均无明显变化（P>0.05）;TSH水平在术后1周,1、3个月时较术前比明显升高（均P<0.05）,后期各时间点则与术前无统计学差异（P>0.05）。中年组术后各时间点FT3、FT4、TSH与术前比较均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。老年组患者FT3水平在术后1周,1、3个月时较术前明显降低（P>0.05）,后期各时间点则术前无统计学差异（P>0.05）;FT4水平在术后1、3、6个月时较术前明显降低（P<0.05）,其余各时间点则与术前无统计学差异（P>0.05）;TSH水平在术后1周,1、3、6个月时均较术前比升高（P<0.05）,后期各时间点则与术前无统计学差异（P>0.05）。3组患者均未出现临床甲状腺功能减退症状。 结论：不同年龄甲状腺良性肿瘤患者行单侧腺叶切除术后甲状腺功能恢复情况不同。中年患者术后代偿能力强,可不予激素替代治疗;青年对甲状腺激素需求量相对较大而老年患者代偿能力较差,故青年患者术后半年内、老年患者术后1年内给予激素替代治疗较合适。     

Postoperative thyroid hormone supplementation rates following thyroid lobectomy

BackgroundThyroid lobectomy is performed for symptomatic benign nodules, indeterminate nodules, or low-risk well differentiated thyroid cancer. We aimed to determine factors associated with thyroid stimulating hormone over goal (TH) following lobectomy.MethodsWe performed a retrospective single-institution cohort study of patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy from January 2016 to December 2017. TH was defined as need for thyroid hormone in accordance with guidelines. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsOne hundred patients were included and 47% developed.TH73% of those with cancer, 38% with benign pathology (p = 0.002). Patients with TH were more likely to have thyroiditis 26% versus 3.8% (p = 0.002); higher preoperativeTSHmean 1.88mIU/L (SD 1.17) versus 1.16mIU/L (SD 0.77) (p = 0.0002), and smaller remnant thyroid lobe adjusted for body surface area 2.99ml/m2 versus 3.72ml/m2 (p = 0.003).ConclusionsAfter thyroid lobectomy, TH is associated with preoperative TSH level, thyroiditis, remnant thyroid volume, and malignancy. The majority of patients with final pathology of carcinoma will require thyroid hormone supplementation to achieve TSH goal.     

Hypothyroidism following combined treatment for hypopharyngeal and laryngeal carcinoma

The development of hypothyroidism following combined treatment for pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer has received little attention in the literature. We prospectively studied 32 patients over 4 years to determine the incidence of such hypothyroidism and to examine the effect of hemithyroidectomy associated with a combined treatment modality. All patients were men with pharyngeal or laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas and no prior history of thyroid disease. Treatment consisted of radical surgery (30 of 32 patients), followed by postoperative radiotherapy (31 patients). The results of thyroid function tests (free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) were all normal preoperatively; tests were repeated every 3 months after treatment. Elevation of TSH values in two successive blood samples was required to make a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Of 12 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy as part of total pharyngolaryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy, 7 became hypothyroid a mean of 6 months after treatment. Twenty patients had similar combined treatment but without thyroid resection. Hypothyroidism developed a mean of 10 months after treatment in only four patients in this group (p less than 0.05). We conclude that hypothyroidism frequently develops following combined treatment for pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer even when thyroid resection has not been performed. Patients should be evaluated postoperatively and carefully monitored by means of serial thyroid function tests.     

A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Bilateral Subtotal Thyroidectomy Versus Unilateral Total and Contralateral Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Graves’ Disease

To reduce the chance of recurrent hyperthyroidism, two methods of subtotal thyroidectomy were performed and compared. From January 1998 to December 2002, 340 patients were operated on with subtotal thyroidectomy. They were prospectively randomized into two groups. Group A included 166 patients and group B 174 patients. Group A patients had a 2.5 × 1 × 1 cm thyroid remnant on each side and group B patients had a 2.5 ×1 × 1 cm remnant on one side plus total lobectomy on the other side. Thyroid function tests including T₃, T₄, TSH, and antimicrosomal antibody (AMA) were checked preoperatively and in the follow-up period of 3 months, and later up to 26.4 ± 1.1 months (mean ± SE). The age, sex, duration of oral medicine, and blood loss of the two groups were not significantly different during surgery and the follow-up period. The operative time was less in group A (113 ± 3.3 minutes) than that in group B (131 ± 3.2 minutes) (p < 0.001). In the long-term follow-up period, recurrent hyperthyroidism was noted in 15 patients in group A and 3 patients in group B. The difference was significant (p = 0.003). Hypothyroidism was noted in 35 of the group A patients and in 46 of the group B patients. The differences between the two groups regarding hypothyroidism was not significant (p = 0.181). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative titers of AMA 6400, which was the only factor affecting the incidence of hypothyroidism in the later follow-up period. In consideration of hypothyroidism, recurrent hyperthyroidism, and postoperative complications, subtotal thyroidectomy with total lobectomy plus subtotal lobectomy provides a better outcome than bilateral subtotal lobectomy.     

Thyroid function after radiotherapy and laryngectomy for carcinoma of the larynx

Total levels of thyroxine (T₄) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured in 37 patients who had previously had carcinoma of the larynx treated by radiotherapy and total laryngectomy with thyroid lobectomy. Ten percent of the patients had clinical features of hypothyroidism and 30% had total T⁴ levels below the lower limit of normal. A further 40% had results in the low normal range. Forty-four percent of patients had raised TSH levels, 90% of these having low or low normal T₄ levels. The histology of the thyroid gland was normal in all 37 patients. Attention should be given to preserving intact the vasculature of the contralateral thyroid lobe whenever it is necessary to remove the ipsilateral thyroid lobe during a laryngectomy. Proper postoperative assessment of thyroid gland function is desirable in all these patients to identity those at risk of hypothyroidism and to avoid unnecessary morbidity.     

Binding of bovine thyrotropin to specific sites in thyroid tissue from control and hemithyroidectomized rats

The binding of 125I-bovine thyrotropin to thyroid particulate fractions from sham-operated (control) and hemithyroidectomized rats was compared to determine if a change in either the number of bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone (bTSH) binding sites or their affinity for bTSH occurs in physiological situations that evoke changes in the intensity of thyroid stimulation. Following hemithyroidectomy serum TSH levels increase and the remnant thyroid lobe enlarges. Because of compensatory thyroid hypertrophy the concentration of TSH binding sites in the thyroid glands from hemithyroidectomized and control rats was related to particulate protein concentration, to the degree of thyroid cellularity as indicated by DNA concentration, and to the concentration of the plasma membrane markers, 5'-nucleotidase and magnesium-dependent ATPase. In each of four experiments, saturation studies revealed that the maximum specific binding of TSH per unit particulate protein and per thyroid lobe was greater in particulates from remnant than from control thyroid lobes. When related to DNA concentration, the concentration of TSH binding sites in remnant lobes was approximately twice that in control lobes. Because of an increase in plasma membrane markers per lobe after hemithyroidectomy, however, there was no difference in the number of TSH binding sites when related to the concentrations of the membrane marker enzymes in the particulate fractions. As judged from Scatchard analysis, the affinity of TSH binding was lower in remnant than in control lobes. This was partially but not completely due to the increased concentration of particulate protein in the remnant thyroid. These experiments demonstrate that the increase in serum TSH levels after hemithyroidectomy in the rat is associated with alterations in TSH receptor capacity and affinity.     

Behavior of the Infection by Helicobacter pylori of the Gastric Remnant After Subtotal Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Anastomosis for Benign Diseases

Introduction  Reinfection by Helicobacter pylori of the gastric remnant after partial gastrectomy has been implicated in the development of gastric cancer at the gastric stump. Objective  The aim of this study is to determine the rate of infection by H. pylori after partial gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis for benign disease. Materials and Methods  A total of 79 patients with long segment Barrett’s esophagus were submitted to vagotomy, anti-reflux surgery, two thirds distal gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y anastomosis 70 cm long. In all preoperative biopsy samples were taken from the antrum. After surgery, four endoscopic studies were performed in different periods of time. Mean follow-up was 98 months after operation (60–240). Results  Three groups of patients were identified: (a) group 1, 43 patients (54%) who had no preoperative infection by H. pylori and remained so late after surgery; (b) group 2, 21 patients (27%) who had no preoperative infection by H. pylori but presented infection of the gastric remnant that increased parallel to the length of follow-up; (c) group 3, 15 patients (19%) who presented infection by H. pylori before surgery. From them, 11 showed reinfection of the gastric remnant, while four patients had no reinfection. Conclusion  After partial gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis for benign disease, there are three different patterns of behavior regarding reinfection or not by H. pylori. A total of 41% of patients presented H. pylori reinfection at the gastric remnant after Roux-en-Y anastomosis, which increased parallel to the length of follow-up.     

Sentinel lymph node positivity in patients undergoing mastectomies for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Current guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients undergoing mastectomy for a preoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We examined the factors associated with sentinel lymph node positivity for patients undergoing mastectomy for a diagnosis of DCIS on preoperative core biopsy (PCB). The Institutional Breast Cancer Database was queried for patients with PCB demonstrating pure DCIS followed by mastectomy and SLNB from 2010 to 2018. Patients were divided according to final pathology (DCIS or invasive cancer). Clinico‐pathologic variables were analyzed using Pearson's chi‐squared, Wilcoxon Rank‐Sum and logistic regression. Of 3145 patients, 168(5%) had pure DCIS on PCB and underwent mastectomy with SLNB. On final mastectomy pathology, 120(71%) patients had DCIS with 0 positive sentinel lymph nodes (PSLNs) and 48(29%) patients had invasive carcinoma with 5(10%) cases of ≥1 PSLNs. Factors positively associated with upstaging to invasive cancer in univariate analysis included age (P = .0289), palpability (P < .0001), extent of disease on imaging (P = .0121), mass on preoperative imaging (P = .0003), multifocality (P = .0231) and multicentricity (P = .0395). In multivariate analysis, palpability (P = .0080), extent of disease on imaging (P = .0074) and mass on preoperative imaging (P = .0245) remained significant (Table 2). In a subset of patients undergoing mastectomy for DCIS with limited disease on preoperative evaluation, SLNB may be omitted as the risk of upstaging is low. However, patients who present with clinical findings of palpability, large extent of disease on imaging and mass on preoperative imaging have a meaningful risk of upstaging to invasive cancer, and SLNB remains important for management.     

The utility of preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level for predicting malignant nodular thyroid disease

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess whether serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are of value in predicting malignancy in patients with nodular thyroid disease (NTD).

Methods

Patients with NTD and a preoperative TSH level who underwent thyroidectomy between 1990 and 2008 were identified from a prospective database. Age, sex, TSH concentration, nodule size, and pathology were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which factors were predictive of malignancy.

Results

Six hundred fifty-three patients were analyzed. The overall rate of malignancy was 20%; the rate was highest in patients <30 years (32%). The mean TSH level was higher in the malignant group (5.5 μIU/mL vs 1.4 μIU/mL, P < .0001). The rate of malignancy was 65% in patients with TSH levels >5.5 μIU/mL. Logistic regression analysis revealed that TSH level was the only significant risk factor for malignancy.

Conclusion

The serum TSH level may be useful in predicting the probability of cancer and optimizing the extent of thyroidectomy in patients with NTD.     

Surgery for Graves' Disease: Total versus Subtotal Thyroidectomy—Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial

The effect of surgery on Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is still controversial. Retrospective analyses of many authors (including our own group) demonstrated GO improvement after subtotal thyroid resection in up to 70% of operated patients, so the question arose whether total thyroidectomy could add anything to this pronounced positive effect on GO. We therefore performed a prospective randomized trial on 150 patients with Graves' disease (125 women, 25 men; mean thyroid volume 80.5 ml) comparing three surgical procedures (bilateral subtotal thyroid resection—total remnant < 4 ml; unilateral hemithyroidectomy with contralateral subtotal thyroid resection—remnant < 4 ml; total thyroidectomy) and their effect on postoperative GO changes, postoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) antibody titers, and postoperative complication rates. After a period of at least 6 months (6–36 months) GO had improved in 71% to 74% of all patients regardless of whether total or subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. TSH-R antibody titers showed no differences for the three surgical groups. Postoperative recurrent hyperthyroidism occurred in two patients with subtotal resections, and early postoperative hypoparathyroidism was more frequently detected in patients with total thyroidectomy than in those with subtotal thyroid resection (28% vs. 12%; p < 0.002). In respect to possible postoperative hypoparathyroidism and a lack of difference in postoperative GO changes, we do not advocate total thyroidectomy for patients with Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy but prefer radical subtotal thyroid resection with a remnant of less than 4 ml.     

Oncologic Outcomes After Radical Surgery Following Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Lower Rectal Cancer: Abdominoperineal Resection Versus Sphincter-Preserving Procedure

Background  Over the past several years, preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has contributed remarkably to make more sphincter-preserving procedure (SPP) possible for lower rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between abdominoperineal resection (APR) and SPP after preoperative CRT in patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer. Methods  A retrospective investigation was conducted with a total of 122 patients who underwent radical surgery combined with preoperative CRT for locally advanced lower rectal cancer. Of these, 50 patients underwent APR and 72 received SPP. Surgery was performed 6–8 weeks after completion of preoperative CRT. Oncologic outcomes were compared between the two groups, and the clinicopathologic factors affecting the treatment outcomes were evaluated. Results  Circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement (P = 0.037) and postoperative complication rate (P = 0.032) were significantly different between APR and SPP. Patients who underwent APR had a higher 5-year local recurrence (22.0% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.028) and lower 5-year cancer-specific survival (52.9% vs. 71.1%, P = 0.03) rate than those who underwent SPP. Pathologic N stage was the most critical predictor for local recurrence and survival. Conclusions  Our study shows that APR following preoperative CRT exhibited more adverse oncologic outcomes compared with SPP. This result may be due to higher rates of CRM involvement in APR even with preoperative CRT. We suggest that sharp perineal dissection and wider cylindrical excision at the level of the anorectal junction are required to avoid CRM involvement and improve oncologic outcomes in patients who undergo APR following preoperative CRT.     

Detection and Management of Hypothyroidism Following Thyroid Lobectomy: Evaluation of a Clinical Algorithm

Background  

The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) the incidence permanent hypothyroidism after thyroid lobectomy (TL), (2) whether asymptomatic patients with mildly elevated thyrotropin (TSH) levels can be managed without thyroid hormone replacement, and (3) if the degree of lymphocytic infiltration (LI) and germinal center (GC) formation in the resected thyroid lobe correlates with the development of post-TL hypothyroidism.     

Thyroid lobectomy for indeterminate FNA: not without consequences

Background

Thyroid nodules are exceedingly common, and the cytologic interpretation of fine needle aspiration (FNA) findings has been the reference standard for diagnosing nodules as benign, atypia or a follicular lesion of undetermined significance, suspicious for follicular or Hürthle cell neoplasm, suspicious for malignancy, or malignant. Many patients undergo thyroid lobectomy for indeterminate FNA findings (atypia or a follicular lesion of undetermined significance or suspicious for follicular or Hürthle cell neoplasm), although the risk of malignancy is low. The general data have quoted a 20% risk of hypothyroidism after lobectomy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the risk of hypothyroidism after lobectomy in our diverse population.

Methods

The pathology records from a large county hospital were reviewed to identify patients with indeterminate FNA findings. The incidence of hypothyroidism was determined by the need for thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square and continuous variables using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 655 FNAs were performed during the study period, and 60 resulted in indeterminate cases. Of these 60 patients, 17 subsequently underwent diagnostic lobectomy. The mean age was 52.8 ± 16.5 years, 88% were women, and 67% were Hispanic and 22% were African American. Only 6% had a final diagnosis of cancer, and eight patients (47%) became hypothyroid postoperatively.

Conclusions

The incidence of hypothyroidism after diagnostic thyroid lobectomy in our patient population was much higher than previously reported. It is necessary to preoperatively counsel patients about this increased risk, in addition to the usual risks of nerve palsy and bleeding, with thyroid lobectomy. As testing of thyroid nodules evolves, the expense of preoperative testing should be weighed against the increased incidence for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.     

Effect of increases in tumor volume after neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the outcome of stage II osteosarcoma regardless of histological response

Background  We assessed volume changes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and evaluated relations between tumor size changes and clinical characteristics. In addition, we sought to determine whether tumor size change influences patient outcome. Methods  The records of 127 patients with stage II osteosarcoma who showed more than a 15% volume change after chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether tumors increased or decreased in size. Fisher’s exact test was performed to analyze correlations between tumor size changes and clinicopathological variables. Five-year metastasis-free survival and overall survival were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results  A total of 71 patients (55.9%) showed a decrease in tumor volume, and 56 patients (44.1%) showed an increase. An increase in tumor volume after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was found to be positively correlated with a poor histological response and subsequent metastasis. Univariate analysis identified the following parameters as poor prognostic factors: age ≤15 years (P = 0.03), American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IIB (P = 0.02), a subtype other than osteoblastic (P < 0.01), a poor histological response (P < 0.001), and increased tumor volume after preoperative chemotherapy (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that AJCC stage IIB (P = 0.006) and an increase in tumor volume after preoperative chemotherapy (P < 0.001) both independently shortened metastasis-free survival. However, a poor histological response lost its prognostic significance (P = 0.34). Conclusions  Increased tumor volume after neoadjuvant chemotherapy independently shortened metastasis-free and overall survival in AJCC stage II osteosarcoma patients. Tumor volume changes may serve as a basis for risk-adapted therapy when used in combination with other prognostic factors.