Thyroidectomy or radioiodine? The value of ultrasonography and cytology in the assessment of nodular lesions in Graves' hyperthyroidism

Although diffuse toxic goiter is a classical feature of Graves' disease (GD) nodular goiters are occasionally found in some patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrasonographic and corresponding cytological manifestations in GD patients with nodular lesions to decide on a therapeutic strategy. Twenty-seven consecutive GD patients with nodular goiter were included in this study (21 women and six men, mean age 41.2 years, range 22-77 years). All underwent thyroid ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Of the 27 patients eight underwent surgical intervention because papillary thyroid carcinoma or follicular neoplasm was diagnosed by cytology; five of these were shown to have papillary thyroid carcinomas. Ultrasonography revealed the malignant nodules to be hypoechogenic, heterogeneous, and with ill-defined margins in four of these five thyroid cancers, whereas the remaining sonogram showed a cystic change and cauliflower-like tumor formation with microcalcification. The volume and maximal diameter of cancerous nodules were significantly larger than those of benign nodules. In conclusion our results reveal that ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology are reliable and quick methods for diagnosing nodular goiters in GD patients. If thyroid neoplasms are found ablative therapy with thyroidectomy is indicated instead of radioactive iodine.     

Repeated surgeries on the thyroid gland in nodular euthyroid goiter

Medical histories of 214 patients hospitalized with diagnosis "recurrent nodular goiter" were studied retrospectively. Complex clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination was carried out in all the patients. Comparative analysis demonstrated that in the structure of recurrent goiter nodular colloid form dominated (84.1%), only in 42.1% cases repeated surgeries were indicated. Other patients (15.9%) were the ones underwent surgery for other thyroid diseases (hypertrophied form of autoimmune thyroiditis, follicular adenoma, thyroid cysts, thyroid cancer). Inadequate surgery and prophylactic therapy with iodine drugs were the main causes of recurrent goiter. Adequate iodine prophylaxis (potassium iodide 100-200 mg per day), complex examination of patients, correct indications for primary surgery and adequate surgical volume, valuable postoperative therapy (iodine drug, LT-4 if it is necessary) permit to reduce the risk of recurrent nodular (multiple-nodular, diffuse-nodular) goiter. Ways of researches for improvement of diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment results of "recurrence nodular goiter" are projected.     

Molecular aetiology of nodular goitre -- consequences for therapy?

Up to 15 % of the adult German population display an enlarged thyroid gland and up to 30 % present thyroid nodules. Iodine deficiency is the most important factor in the etiology of nodular goiter. Insulin-like growth factor-I is overexpressed in thyroids in severely iodine deficient areas. There is evidence that iodolactones are mediators of thyroid hormone autoregulation. However familial and twin studies demonstrated a genetic component in the etiology of nodular goiter. Linkage analysis identified two chromosomal regions (MNG-1, Xp 22) in multinodular goiter. Other possible candidate genes or markers such as TG, TPO, NIS, PDS and TSH-R were not identified. Nodular goiter certainly comprises a number of genotypes. TSH receptor mutations result in activation of the cAMP cascade. Cells with a constitutively activated cAMP cascade have an increased growth advantage due to their TSH independent cAMP stimulation. Alimentary iodine supply should be the first choice in primary prevention of nodular thyroid disease in iodine deficient areas, because prevalence of nodular goiter is negative correlated with individual iodine status in epidemiological surveys. Surgical removal of nodular goiters should include nearly the hold thyroid tissue to avoid recurrent goiter.     

甲状腺结节微小钙化灶与甲状腺癌关系的探讨

目的探讨甲状腺结节微小钙化灶与甲状腺癌的关系。方法回顾性分析2003年1月-2011年12月在我院进行手术治疗的251例甲状腺结节并钙化灶患者的超声检查和病理资料。结果251例中,良性病变122例（48．6％）,包括结节性甲状腺肿118例,非特异性甲状腺炎4例;甲状腺癌129例（51．4％）,其中乳头状癌123例,滤泡状癌4例,髓样癌1例,未分化癌1例。甲状腺结节合并微小钙化是否为甲状腺癌与患者性别并无明显相关（56．0％ vs．50．1％,P〉0．05）;但最终确诊为甲状腺癌者在〈45岁的患者中高于345岁组（66．7％ vs．36．7％）,单发结节组高于多发结节组（68．6％ vs．47．0％）,结节血运丰富组高于非血运丰富组（59．2％ vs．23．6％）,微小钙化组高于非微小钙化组（81．2％ vs．37．4％）,差异均具有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论超声发现的甲状腺结节微小钙化高度提示甲状腺恶性肿瘤,应积极处理。     

The role of intraoperative ultrasound in surgery for benign nodular goiter]

BACKGROUND: In treating benign nodular goiter, selective surgery taking into account morphology and function is better than standard subtotal resection for reducing the frequency of nodules in the thyroid remnant. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOPUS) may additionally influence operative radicality and also the incidence of remaining nodules. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients with benign nodular goiter were operated on with IOPUS; the specimens were compared with results of preoperative ultrasound and intraoperative palpation. Of these patients, 80 were reinvestigated after 3+/-1.6 years. A series of 80 patients with the same operative strategy but without IOPUS was used as control group, having been reinvestigated sonographically 1 year postoperatively, and was compared to the IOPUS group with respect to operative procedures, size of remnants, and sonography of lesions in thyroid remnants. RESULTS: In 35% of the thyroid lobes, preoperatively undetected nodules could be identified additionally by IOPUS, which also provided information on extent and structure in a further 20%. It resulted in the indication for more radical surgery in 24% and greater tissue preservation in 10%. Compared to surgery without IOPUS, IOPUS-guided surgery was more radical (total lobectomy in 40% vs 24%, nonresected lobes in 16% vs 26%, P<0.05) and showed a lower incidence of nodules in remnants at follow-up (2.5% vs 12.5%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: With IOPUS, more nodules are detectable, size and structure of the remnants are optimized, and the number of nodular lesions in thyroid remnants is lower. Thus, an even lower risk of recurrence can be expected for long-term follow-up. All in all, the routine use of IOPUS can be advocated, with maintenance of the selective operative strategy.     

自主功能性甲状腺结节104例临床分析

目的提高对自主功能性甲状腺结节（ＡＦＴＮ）的诊断与治疗水平。方法１０４例ＡＦＴＮ中同位素结合促甲状腺激素刺激扫描诊断１６例,结合甲状腺激素抑制扫描诊断２０例,结合手术前后扫描诊断６８例。全部病例均行手术治疗,手术方式有单纯结节摘除,一叶部分或全切除,双叶次全切除及癌根治术。结果１０４例ＡＦＴＮ中,同位素扫描为“热结节”者９４例,“温结节”者１０例,继发甲状腺机能亢进２５例（２４％）,７６例来自地方性甲状腺肿流行区。病理类型：结节性甲状腺肿７６例（７３１％）,甲状腺腺瘤２６例（２５０％）,甲状腺癌２例（１９％）。对２６例ＡＦＴＮ患者进行术后３～２２年随访,未发现结节复发及甲低等并发症。结论碘缺乏可能在ＡＦＴＮ形成中起重要作用;同位素扫描是诊断ＡＦＴＮ的主要手段;ＡＦＴＮ患者一旦确诊应及时治疗,手术是较好的治疗方法。     

甲状腺良性结节手术后复发的再治疗

目的 探讨甲状腺良性结节手术后复发的相关因素和再治疗原则。方法 对我院18年中51例甲状腺良性结节手术后临床复发者的病理、手术适应证、术式以及再治疗进行回顾性分析。结果 甲状腺良性结节手术后复发与病变性质、单发或多发、手术适应证的掌握及术式的选择密切相关。51例复发者中结节性甲状腺肿29例,甲状腺瘤22例;其中行结节摘除21例,腺叶部分切除16例,一侧腺叶次全切除9例,一侧腺叶切除5例。再手术38例,行一侧腺叶切除19例,一侧叶切加对侧次全切除3例,一侧次全切除7例,双侧次全切除9例;无严重手术并发症。随访32例再手术者,平均7年,仅1例结节性甲状腺肿再复发。结论 对甲状腺瘤和结节性甲状腺肿的正确诊断、明确病变的单发或多发,严格掌握多发性结节性甲状腺肿的手术适应证,并废弃结节摘除和腺叶部分切除术可降低复发率和再手术率。     

Thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma.

Seventy carcinomas of the thyroid gland were found in 1300 thyroidectomies for an incidence of 5.4%. The incidence of malignancy in single nodules was 9.7% and in multinodular nontoxic goiter 4.3%. The risk of cancer was higher (14.2%) in males than in females (4.3%). The highest incidence of cancer was found in children under the age of 10 (40%). Radioactive iodine scintiscanning was of limited help in differentiating benign from malignant nodules. Early surgery is advised for all patients with single thyroid nodules and all thyroid nodules in children should be excised.     

Thyroid disorders in hemodialysis patients in an iodine-deficient community

There are various changes in the thyroid gland and its function in chronic renal failure (CRF). These changes include lower levels of circulating thyroid hormone, altered peripheral hormone metabolism, decreased binding to carrier proteins, possible reduction in tissue hormone content, and increased iodine storage in the thyroid gland. The decrease of excretion of urinary iodine in CRF increases serum inorganic iodine level and iodine content of the thyroid, which consequently enlarges the gland. This study is designed to investigate the prevalence of goiter and thyroid dysfunction in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) in an iodine-deficient community. Eighty-seven (40 females and 47 males) HD patients and 169 (79 females and 90 males) healthy individuals as controls are included. Sex ratios for the patient and control groups are 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. Mean ages for the patient and control groups are 42.94 +/- 11.88 and 40.20 +/- 10.72 years, respectively. Examination of the thyroid gland using ultrasonography along with simultaneous measurement of blood levels of free-T4 (FT4), free-T3 (FT3), and thyrotropin (TSH) are made for every individual. The presence of goiter demonstrable by ultrasonography is found in 32.2% of the uremic patients and in 23.5% of the controls and its prevalence increases with age (P = 0.01). In 32 (36.8%) of the patients and 29 (17.1%) of the controls at least one thyroid nodule is found in ultrasonography. Between patients with or without a nodular goiter the authors could not observe any difference for duration of dialysis and serum levels of TSH, FT4, FT3, calcium, and albumin. In ESRD patients the prevalence of nodular goiter is higher for females (47.5% vs. 27.7%, P = 0.045) and increases with age (P = 0.04). Though incidence of hyperthyroidism is found to be similar for the two groups (1.14% in ESRD patients vs. 1.10% in controls), hypothyroidism is observed in 3.4% of ESRD patients but only 0.6% of controls. This high incidence of hypothyroidism and nodular goiter in ESRD patients shows that screening for thyroid dysfunction and goiter, using appropriate laboratory tests and ultrasonography, should be considered in evaluation of every ESRD patient.     

超声引导下射频消融治疗结节性甲状腺肿46例报告

目的探讨超声引导下射频消融(radiofrequency ablation,RFA)治疗结节性甲状腺肿的临床效果。方法2009年6月～2010年9月对46例甲状腺良性结节在局部麻醉下行超声引导下RFA治疗,在颈部皮肤取1 mm切口,切开皮肤及皮下组织,将射频针穿刺在结节的中心部位开启射频,应用能量为4～6 W,其中心温度可达95℃。结果均成功行RFA,术中无明显并发症发生,1例出现穿刺部位感染。RFA术后6个月47.8%(22/46)患者结节全部吸收,26.1%(12/46)结节体积较术前缩小≥50%,26.1%(12/26)结节体积较术前缩小25%～50%。结论超声引导下RFA治疗结节性甲状腺肿疗效好、微创优势明显,是一种值得推广的手术方法。     

全民普遍食盐加碘后广西地区甲状腺疾病谱的变迁

目的分析实行全民普遍食盐加碘前后广西沿海、山区等不同碘环境下甲状腺疾病谱变迁的特点,探讨普遍食盐加碘对甲状腺疾病谱的影响。方法收集广西南宁、桂林、百色及北海4城市的解放军三。三医院、解放军一八一医院、广西右江民族医学院附属医院及北海市人民医院1991年1月至2006年12月期间经手术治疗的甲状腺疾病患者共5998例,所有病例均有病理诊断并检测了尿碘水平;另检测同期1000位甲状腺正常人群的尿碘水平作对照。分析普遍食盐加碘前后碘环境的改变与甲状腺疾病谱变迁的关系。结果普遍食盐加碘后,结节性甲状腺肿患者的构成比较加碘前下降（尸〈0．05）,而毒性结节性甲状腺肿、慢性淋巴细胞性甲状腺炎及甲状腺乳头状癌患者的构成比较加碘前增高（P〈0．053;同时,结节性甲状腺肿、毒性弥漫性甲状腺肿、毒性结节性甲状腺肿、慢性淋巴细胞性甲状腺炎及甲状腺乳头状癌患者尿碘水平较加碘前明显增高（P〈0．05）,并且甲状腺疾病患者的尿碘水平高于对照组（P〈0．05）,甲状腺疾病患者及对照组的尿碘水平均较加碘前增高（P〈0．05）。结论全民普遍食盐加碘10年来,广西所调查地区平均尿碘水平及甲状腺疾病谱均发生了明显变化,碘过量可能是导致毒性结节性甲状腺肿、慢性淋巴细胞性甲状腺炎、慢性淋巴细胞性甲状腺炎合并乳头状癌及甲状腺乳头状癌发病率增高的环境因素之一。     

Predictive Value of Sonographic Features in Preoperative Evaluation of Malignant Thyroid Nodules in a Multinodular Goiter

BACKGROUND: The primary goal of ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of a thyroid nodule is to determine its malignancy, although the diagnosis of a malignant nodule on the basis of US alone is nearly impossible. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the predictive value of sonographic features in the preoperative diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules, and to determine the important features of sonography. METHODS: This prospective study included 550 consecutive patients with , thyroid nodules. Nodules were divided into two groups on the basis of pathological diagnosis: group 1 consisted of 1,633 nodules with a benign pathology, and group 2 consisted of 293 nodules with a malignant pathology. RESULTS: Microcalcifications, blurred nodular margins, and solid and hypoechoic appearance were more common in malignant nodules compared to benign nodules (89.1% versus 5%; 64.5% versus 4.7%; 81.6% versus 30.6% ; and 62.5% versus 43.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the detection of malignant thyroid nodules and microcalcification (rs = 0.791, p = 0.0001), blurred nodular margin (rs = 0.625, p = 0.0001), solid appearance (rs = 0.376, p = 0.0001), and hypoechoic appearance (rs = 0.141, p = 0.0001). Microcalcifications, blurred nodular margins, and solid and hypoechoic appearance were independent determinants of malignancy upon US examination of thyroid nodules (OR: 159, OR: 37, OR: 9.9, and OR: 2.2, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although we did not identify a single feature indicative of malignancy in the sonographic examination of nodules, microcalcification and blurred margin were the strongest correlates for malignancy.     

Die Wertigkeit des intraoperativen Ultraschalls bei der benignen Knotenstruma

Background

In treating benign nodular goiter, selective surgery taking into account morphology and function is better than standard subtotal resection for reducing the frequency of nodules in the thyroid remnant. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOPUS) may additionally influence operative radicality and also the incidence of remaining nodules.

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with benign nodular goiter were operated on with IOPUS; the specimens were compared with results of preoperative ultrasound and intraoperative palpation. Of these patients, 80 were reinvestigated after 3±1.6 years. A series of 80 patients with the same operative strategy but without IOPUS was used as control group, having been reinvestigated sonographically 1 year postoperatively, and was compared to the IOPUS group with respect to operative procedures, size of remnants, and sonography of lesions in thyroid remnants.

Results

In 35% of the thyroid lobes, preoperatively undetected nodules could be identified additionally by IOPUS, which also provided information on extent and structure in a further 20%. It resulted in the indication for more radical surgery in 24% and greater tissue preservation in 10%. Compared to surgery without IOPUS, IOPUS-guided surgery was more radical (total lobectomy in 40% vs 24%, nonresected lobes in 16% vs 26%, P<0.05) and showed a lower incidence of nodules in remnants at follow-up (2.5% vs 12.5%, P<0.05).

Conclusions

With IOPUS, more nodules are detectable, size and structure of the remnants are optimized, and the number of nodular lesions in thyroid remnants is lower. Thus, an even lower risk of recurrence can be expected for long-term follow-up. All in all, the routine use of IOPUS can be advocated, with maintenance of the selective operative strategy.     

剥离法在改良Miccoli术中的应用体会

目的探讨剥离法在内镜辅助下经颈部小切口行甲状腺切除术（改良Miccoli术）中的应用价值。方法对39例甲状腺良性疾病患者采用剥离法内镜辅助下颈部小切口甲状腺切除术。按传统Miccoli术方式切开、建腔、显露,按剥离法要求游离、超声刀离断腺体,切除病灶。甲状腺瘤12例,其中11例行单侧甲状腺部分切除,1例行单纯峡部肿物切除;结节性甲状腺肿27例,其中13例行双侧甲状腺部分切除7,例行一侧腺叶大部切除加一侧肿瘤切除,5例双侧腺叶大部切除,2例单侧腺叶全切。结果 39例手术均顺利完成,手术切口平均2.4（1.5～3.0）cm,无中转开放手术;手术时间平均59.6（30～135）min;术中出血17.6（10～60）ml;术后第1 d引流量平均8（6～10）ml;术后住院时间平均4.2（3～6）d。术后术野皮下炎性肿胀3例,无喉返神经损伤或甲状旁腺功能低下等并发症。术后均获随访,平均10（6～12）个月,患者局部不适感轻微,颈部瘢痕不明显,美容效果好,复查甲状腺超声未见复发。结论在改良Miccoli术中采用剥离法手术策略简便、安全,并发症少,值得推广。     

术前TSH水平与甲状腺结节良恶性关系

目的：探讨血清促甲状腺激素（TSH）浓度与甲状腺结节良恶性的关系。 方法：回顾性分析近3年间收治的421例甲状腺结节患者的临床资料,其中结节性甲状腺肿347例,甲状腺癌74例。比较良恶性甲状腺结节患者血清TSH浓度差异,并分析TSH浓度与甲状腺结节的恶性风险以及甲状腺癌不同病理类型与血清TSH浓度的关系。 结果：甲状腺癌患者血清TSH浓度明显高于结节性甲状腺肿患者[（2.57±3.32）mIU/L vs. （1.67±2.90）mIU/L]（P<0.05）;甲状腺结节的恶性风险随血清TSH浓度的升高而逐渐升高,当TSH>5 mIU/L时,恶性率为50.0%;甲状腺癌不同病理类型间血清TSH浓度无统计学差异（P>0.05）。 结论：甲状腺结节恶性风险随血清TSH浓度的升高而增加,术前血清TSH测定可以作为甲状腺结节良恶性判断的一个辅助性指标。     

Thyroid disease in children and adolescents

Thyroid diseases in children and adolescents are not common. The present paper describes 73 patients, aged 5 to 18 years, who had thyroid disease which was treated by surgery. Of these, 18 had diffuse simple goiter, 11 had diffuse toxic goiter and 44 had nodular goiter. Of those patients with nodular goiter, 34 had adenomatous goiter, one had lymphocytic thyroiditis, one had lymphosarcoma and eight had cancer. In the patients with nodular goiter under the age of ten years, 40% had cancer, and of those aged 11 to 18 years, 14.7% had cancer. Thyroid nodules were more frequent in girls than in boys, but the incidence of cancer in nodular goiter was higher in boys than in girls.     

Standard-radical vs. function-preserving surgery of benign nodular goiter—a sonographic and biochemical 10-year follow-up study

Background  The necessary extent of thyroid resection in benign nodular goiter is under debate. The aim of our study was to compare the long-term outcome of different thyroid resection modes with special interest in the incidence of recurrent nodules and the use of oral thyroid hormone medication. Materials and methods  We performed a follow-up examination of 109 patients (23 men and 86 women) having been operated for benign nodular goiter at our department 10 years ago. Unilateral resections and function-preserving resections of at least one thyroid lobe were classified as function-preserving (FP). Total thyroidectomy, Dunhill’s operation and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy were rated as standard-radical (STR). On follow-up, we recorded current oral thyroid hormone medication, thyroid function tests and ultrasound of the neck. Results  Seventy-three patients had FP resection (67%), while 36 were STR-operated (33%). The subsequent medical treatment was performed by dedicated endocrinologists (n = 19), internists (n = 11) or primary-care physicians (n = 59). Twenty patients had no medical attendance. Recurrent nodules were found in 13 cases in the FP group (18.6%) vs. 3 cases in the STR group (2.5%; p < 0.001). In both groups, about 80% of patients used thyroid hormone medication 10 years after operation. Conclusion  There was no advantage in thyroid function tests nor lesser medication in the FP group. The risk for recurrent nodules was significantly higher in the FP than in the STR-operated patients. The data of this study have been presented in oral form at the Meeting of the German Endocrine surgeons (CAEK 2006 Duisburg) and at the German Surgical congress (Munich 2007).     

结节性甲状腺肿合并甲状腺癌的诊治分析

目的提高结节性甲状腺肿合并甲状腺癌的诊断和治疗水平。方法回顾性分析我院近年收治的158例结节性甲状腺肿患者的临床资料,所有患者均首先采用单侧或双侧甲状腺次全切除术,术中送冰冻病理检查,根据冰冻病理结果或石蜡切片病理结果补充行患侧甲状腺叶全切＋峡部＋对侧甲状腺叶次全切除术。结果158例结节性甲状腺肿患者中,合并甲状腺癌23例,其中乳头状腺癌22例,滤泡状腺癌1例。术后随访5-12个月,1例患者出现颈部淋巴结肿大,再次行功能性颈部淋巴结清扫术。Logistic回归分析显示,判断结节性甲状腺肿合并甲状腺癌的因素中,结节个数较少与结节直径较小是结节性甲状腺肿合并甲状腺癌的危险因素。结论对某些虽然无明确症状,但发现甲状腺有较小的实性结节的结节性甲状腺肿患者应持更积极的治疗态度。     

Predictive factors for recurrence after thyroid lobectomy for unilateral non-toxic goiter in an endemic area: results of a multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to identify the factors that are predictive of recurrence after thyroid lobectomy for unilateral non-toxic thyroid goiter in an endemic region through a multivariate analysis. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy and who were evaluated by the same endocrinologist were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis analyzed the relationship between sex, age, preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone, duration of disease, duration of levothyroxine (LT4) preoperative therapy, cytologic results, histologic results, resected thyroid weight, numbers and diameters of thyroid nodules, morphologic alterations of the remnant lobe, follow-up length, postoperative LT4 therapy, ultrasonographic evidence of recurrence, and reoperation. RESULTS: The incidence of recurrence was 33.9% (91/268 patients) after a mean follow-up time of 79.9 months (range, 12-251 months), female sex ( P = .016), multiple nodules ( P = .017), and lack of postoperative LT4 therapy ( P = .0009) were predictive factors of recurrence. Reoperation was performed in 20 patients (7.4%); factors that were predictive of reoperation were the presence of multiple nodules ( P = .008), resected thyroid weight ( P = .00006), and lack of postoperative hormonal therapy ( P = .0005). CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid lobectomy for unilateral non-toxic goiter, when combined with suppressive or substitutive thyroxin therapy, resulted in a low rate of recurrence and reoperation in an endemic area.     

Treatment and Prevention of Recurrence of Multinodular Goiter: An Evidence-based Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: Reportedly, 10-15% of patients with goiters ultimately require operative intervention, and recurrences of multinodular goiter (MNG) account for up to 12% of all thyroid operations. METHODS: We performed an evidence-based review of articles published in the English language between January 1987 and October 2007 relevant to the subject. RESULTS: Medical treatment with T4 appears to be associated with a greater proportion of patients whose nodules decreased in size by more than 50% (22% vs. 10%; range = 14-39% vs. 0-20%). Recurrence rates of benign nodular goiter after total thyroidectomy were essentially nonexistent (range = 0-0.3%) compared with those after subtotal thyroidectomy (range = 2.5-42%) and more limited resections (range = 8-34%). There was no difference between total and less-than-total thyroidectomy with respect to temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury (1-10% vs. 0.9-6%, respectively) or permanent RLN palsy (0-1.4%). There was, however, a significantly higher rate of transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy than less extensive operations (9-35% vs. 0-18%, respectively). In relation to redo surgery, permanent hypoparathyroidism appeared to be far more common in the redo group (0-22% vs. 0-4%) Moreover; the redo group had more frequent RLN injury, both temporary (0-22% vs. 0.5-18%) and permanent (0-13% vs. 0-4%). About half the studies examined conclude that postoperative TSH suppression is effective in reducing recurrences, while the other half state that it is not. CONCLUSION: The definitive management and prevention of recurrence of benign nodular goiter is primarily surgical. Total thyroidectomy essentially eliminates the risk of recurrence without an accompanying increased risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism or RLN injury. Therefore, total thyroidectomy should be considered the procedure of choice for benign multinodular goiter whenever possible, especially considering that reoperations for goiter are significantly more morbid than any initial operation.