Renal and functional outcomes following cystectomy and neobladder reconstruction

Background:

Orthotopic reconstruction following cystectomy has evolved in an attempt to restore anatomy and function to as close as possible to the preoperative state. We review the renal and functional outcomes of patients who underwent cystectomy and neobladder reconstruction at our institution.

Methods:

Between December 2003 and October 2007, 31 patients underwent cystectomy with Studer neobladder reconstruction at the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Follow-up data were obtained regarding renal function (serum creatinine, μmol/L), continence, urinary flow rates and post-void residual (PVR) at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Change in creatinine from preoperative baseline was calculated and analyzed by student t-test to determine if there was a significant rise in creatinine.

Results:

There was a statistically significant increase in creatinine from preoperative baseline, with an average increase of 17.3 μmol/L, 21.8 μmol/L and 26.3 μmol/L at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Six patients developed hydronephrosis. Excluding patients with hydronephrosis, there continued to be a statistically significant rise in creatinine with an average increase of 11.9 μmol/L, 14.7 μmol/L and 19.4 μmol/L at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. At 1 year, daytime continence was achieved by 89% of patients; 70% were continent at night.

Interpretation:

Orthotopic neobladders have excellent functional outcomes with low rates of incontinence, which improved throughout follow-up. A significant proportion of patients developed hydronephrosis, highlighting the need for close follow-up to prevent reversible renal deterioration. Creatinine increased during follow-up irrespective of the development of hydronephrosis, but the clinical significance is unknown.     

Accuracy of medical models made by consumer-grade fused deposition modelling printers

BACKGROUND:

Additive manufacturing using fused deposition modelling (FDM) has become widely available with the development of consumer-grade three-dimensional printers. To be useful in maxillofacial surgery, models created by these printers must accurately reproduce the craniofacial skeleton.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the accuracy of consumer-grade FDM printers in the production of medical models compared with industrial selective laser sintering (SLS) printers.

METHODS:

Computed tomography images of a dry skull were manipulated using OsiriX (OsiriX, Switzerland) and ZBrush (Pixologic, USA) software. Models were fabricated using a consumer-grade FDM printer at 100 μm, 250 μm and 500 μm layer heights and an industrial SLS printer. Seven linear measurements were made on the models and compared with the corresponding dry skull measurements using an electronic caliper.

RESULTS:

A dimensional error of 0.30% was observed for the SLS models and 0.44%, 0.52% and 1.1% for the 100 μm, 250 μm and 500 μm FDM models, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Consumer-grade FDM printers can produce medical models with sufficient dimensional accuracy for use in maxillofacial surgery. With this technology, surgeons can independently produce low-cost maxillofacial models in an office setting.     

Early detection of prostate cancer local recurrence by urinary prostate-specific antigen

Purpose:

We assessed the role of urinary prostate-specific antigen (uPSA) in the follow-up of prostate cancer after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) for the early detection of local recurrences.

Methods:

We recruited 50 patients previously treated for prostate cancer with RRP and who had not experienced a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence within their first postoperative year into a cross-sectional laboratory assessment and prospective 6-year longitudinal follow-up study. We defined biochemical failure as a serum PSA (sPSA) of 0.3 μg/L or greater. Patients provided blood samples and a 50-mL sample of first-voided urine. We performed Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher exact tests for statistical analysis.

Results:

The median sPSA was 0.13 μg/L. The median uPSA was 0.8 μg/L, and was not significantly different when comparing Gleason scores or pathological stages. Of the 50 patients, 27 initially had a nondetectable sPSA but a detectable uPSA, and 11 patients experienced sPSA failure after 6 years. Six patients had detectable sPSA and uPSA initially. Fifteen patients were negative for both sPSA and uPSA, and 13 remained sPSA-free after 6 years. The odds ratio (OR) of having sPSA failure given a positive uPSA test was 4.5 if sPSA was undetectable, but was reduced to 2.6 if sPSA was detectable. The pooled Mantel–Haenszel OR of 4.2 suggested that a detectable uPSA quadrupled the risk of recurrence, independent of whether sPSA was elevated or not. The sensitivity of uPSA for detecting future sPSA recurrences was 81% and specificity was 45%.

Conclusion:

Urinary PSA could contribute to an early detection of local recurrences of prostate cancer after a radical prostatectomy.     

Lower-Dose Mepivacaine Plus Fentanyl May Improve Spinal Anesthesia for Knee Arthroscopy

Background

Previous work indicates that 30 mg isobaric mepivacaine 1.5% plus 10 μg fentanyl produces reliable anesthesia for knee arthroscopy with a more rapid recovery profile than 45 mg mepivacaine.

Questions/Purposes

This randomized controlled trial compared plain mepivacaine to three reduced doses of mepivacaine with 10 μg fentanyl for spinal anesthesia.

Methods

Following written informed consent, subjects undergoing outpatient knee arthroscopy were prospectively randomized into one of four groups: mepivacaine 37.5 mg (M37.5); mepivacaine 30 mg plus fentanyl 10 μg (M30/F10); mepivacaine 27 mg plus fentanyl 10 μg (M27/F10); and mepivacaine 24 mg plus fentanyl 10 μg (M24/F10). The spinal was evaluated by the blinded anesthetist and surgeon. In the post-anesthesia care unit, sensory and motor block resolution was assessed. Subjects rated their satisfaction with the overall experience.

Results

Group M30/F10 (n = 6) had two “fair” anesthetics, and group M27/F10 (n = 10) had one “fair” and one “inadequate” anesthetic. Both groups were eliminated from further enrollment per study protocol. The recovery profiles showed little difference between groups M37.5 and M30/F10, except for motor block resolution (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile): 171 (135, 195) and 128 (120, 135), respectively). Groups M27/F10 and M24/F10 demonstrated recovery profiles that were faster than group M37.5. Patient satisfaction was 10/10 for all groups.

Conclusions

Adding fentanyl 10 μg to a lower dose of mepivacaine 1.5% can lead to quicker recovery profiles. However, this advantage of a quicker recovery must be weighed against the likelihood of an incomplete anesthetic.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-015-9454-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Investigation prior to thyroglossal duct cyst excision

INTRODUCTION

Investigation of the anterior midiine neck lump has been debated over the years with little agreement on best practice. Thyrogiossai duct cysts (TDCs) are the most common aetiology. A TDC may contain ectopic thyroid tissue, which may affect the decision to excise.

METHODS

A computerised survey was sent to a representative sample of UK-based ENT surgeons to determine current practice in investigation of presumed TDCs and the incidence of ectopic thyroid tissue.

RESULTS

Overall, 95% of those surveyed use ultrasonography, with 32% also arranging thyroid function tests. Fifteen per cent had encountered absent normal thyroid tissue in the presence of a midiine neck swelling. In 64% of cases this represented the only functioning thyroid tissue. Thyroid function tests were normal in all but two cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show a significant change in practice over the last decade. All surgeons would arrange some form of investigation of a presumed TDC, with the vast majority using ultrasonography. Radioisotope scanning should only be used if the ultrasonography or thyroid function tests are abnormal. The incidence of ectopic thyroid tissue in this survey was higher than previously calculated, with a 0.17% prevalence of midiine neck lumps representing the only functioning thyroid tissue.     

The relevance of preoperative ultrasound cervical mapping in patients with thyroid cancer

Background

Cervical lymph node involvement in thyroid cancer is associated with locoregional recurrence and decreased disease-free survival. Preoperative lymph node mapping helps in planning surgery for neck dissection and improves patient outcomes. We sought to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of ultrasound mapping for thyroid cancer and evaluate the clinical importance of this exam in terms of identifying the group of patients who would benefit most from subsequent surgical dissection.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 263 patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 2009 and 2013. We calculated the positive predictive values (PPVs) of ultrasound mapping of both the lateral and central compartments together and the lateral or central compartment individually. A quantitative analysis was performed by comparing the number of positive lymph nodes at ultrasound imaging with histopathologic evaluation.

Results

A total of 136 cases of thyroid cancer in 120 patients met the inclusion criteria for ultrasound mapping analysis. The PPVs (and 95% confidence intervals) were 83.82 (0.76–0.89) for the lateral and central compartments, 85.39% (0.76–0.91) for the lateral compartment, and 80.48% (0.7–0.87) for the central compartment. When comparing the positive lymph nodes at ultrasound imaging with histopathologic evaluation, the result was χ² = 10.33 (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

This single-institution study indicated that preoperative ultrasound mapping is an accurate imaging procedure for predicting lymphatic spread in differentiated and medullary thyroid cancer. Ultrasound mapping can be used as an efficient tool for surgical planning and prognosis determination, as well as for identifying the group of patients who would benefit most from subsequent surgical intervention.     

Dietary habits and prostate cancer detection: a case–control study

Background

Many studies have suggested that nutritional factors may affect prostate cancer development. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between dietary habits and prostate cancer detection.

Methods

We studied 917 patients who planned to have transrectal ultrasonography–guided prostatic biopsy based on an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, a rising serum PSA level or an abnormal digital rectal examination. Before receiving the results of their biopsy, all patients answered a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. In combination with pathology data we performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses for the predictors of cancer and its aggressiveness.

Results

Prostate cancer was found in 42% (386/917) of patients. The mean patient age was 64.5 (standard deviation [SD] 8.3) years and the mean serum PSA level for prostate cancer and benign cases, respectively, was 13.4 (SD 28.2) μg/L and 7.3 (SD 4.9) μg/L. Multivariable analysis revealed that a meat diet (e.g., red meat, ham, sausages) was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio [OR] 2.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–4.87, p = 0.027) and a fish diet was associated with less prostate cancer (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.89, p = 0.017). Aggressive tumours were defined by Gleason score (≥ 7), serum PSA level (≥ 10 μg/L) and the number of positive cancer cores (≥ 3). None of the tested dietary components were found to be associated with prostate cancer aggressivity.

Conclusion

Fish diets appear to be associated with less risk of prostate cancer detection, and meat diets appear to be associated with a 3-fold increased risk of prostate cancer. These observations add to the growing body of evidence suggesting a relationship between diet and prostate cancer risk.     

Urinary ATP as an indicator of infection and inflammation of the urinary tract in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms

Background

Adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) is a neurotransmitter and inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract disease. ATP additionally reflects microbial biomass thus has potential as a surrogate marker of urinary tract infection (UTI). The optimum clinical sampling method for ATP urinalysis has not been established. We tested the potential of urinary ATP in the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms, infection and inflammation, and validated sampling methods for clinical practice.

Methods

A prospective, blinded, cross-sectional observational study of adult patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and asymptomatic controls, was conducted between October 2009 and October 2012. Urinary ATP was assayed by a luciferin-luciferase method, pyuria counted by microscopy of fresh unspun urine and symptoms assessed using validated questionnaires. The sample collection, storage and processing methods were also validated.

Results

75 controls and 340 patients with LUTS were grouped as without pyuria (n = 100), pyuria 1-9 wbc μl^-1 (n = 120) and pyuria ≥10 wbc μl^-1 (n = 120). Urinary ATP was higher in association with female gender, voiding symptoms, pyuria greater than 10 wbc μl^-1 and negative MSU culture. ROC curve analysis showed no evidence of diagnostic test potential. The urinary ATP signal decayed with storage at 23°C but was prevented by immediate freezing at ≤ -20°C, without boric acid preservative and without the need to centrifuge urine prior to freezing.

Conclusions

Urinary ATP may have a role as a research tool but is unconvincing as a surrogate, clinical diagnostic marker.     

The efficacy of immediate versus delayed antibiotic administration on bacterial growth and biofilm production of selected strains of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Purpose

The treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) with antibiotics is commonly used, but recurrence and antibiotic resistance have been growing and concerning clinicians. We studied whether the rapid onset of a protective biofilm may be responsible for the lack of effectiveness of antibiotics against selected bacteria.

Materials and Methods

Two established uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains, UTI89 and CFT073, and two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, PA01 and Boston-41501, were studied to establish a reliable biofilm formation process. Bacterial growth (BG) was determined by optical density at 600 nm (OD 600) using a spectrophotometer, while biofilm formation (BF) using crystal violet staining was measured at OD 550. Next, these bacterial strains were treated with clinically relevant antibiotics, ciprofloxacin HCl (200 ng/mL and 2 μg/mL), nitrofurantoin (20 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL) and ampicillin (50 μg/mL) at time points of 0 (T0) or after 6 hours of culture (T6). All measurements, including controls (bacteria -1% DMSO), were done in triplicates and repeated three times for consistency.

Results

The tested antibiotics effectively inhibited both BG and BF when administered at T0 for UPEC strains, but not when the antibiotic administration started 6 hours later. For Pseudomonas strains, only Ciprofloxacin was able to significantly inhibit bacterial growth at T0 but only at the higher concentration of 2 μg/mL for T6.

Conclusion

When established UPEC and Pseudomonas bacteria were allowed to culture for 6 hours before initialization of treatment, the therapeutic effect of selected antibiotics was greatly suppressed when compared to immediate treatment, probably as a result of the protective nature of the biofilm.     

Liposomal Formulation Decreases Toxicity of Amphotericin B In Vitro and In Vivo

Background

Liposomal amphotericin B is locally delivered to treat fungal orthopaedic infections but little is known about local tissue toxicity, if any, that might be associated with local delivery.

Questions/purposes

(1) Is liposomal amphotericin B cytotoxic in vitro? (2) Is locally delivered liposomal amphotericin B toxic to tissue in vivo?

Methods

Mouse fibroblasts (BA LB/3T3 A31) and osteoblasts (MC3T3) were exposed to two formulations of amphotericin B (liposomal and deoxycholate) at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10, 100, 500, and 1000 μg/mL. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay after 1, 3, and 5 hours of exposure and a proliferation assay after 1, 4, and 7 days of exposure and then after 3 recovery days without drug. Tissue exposure occurred by local delivery of liposomal amphotericin B, 200 or 800 mg/batch antifungal-loaded bone cement (ALBC), or amphotericin B deoxycholate, 800 mg/batch ALBC in rat paraspinal muscles. White blood cell count (WBC) and serum amphotericin B levels were obtained on Days 1 and 3. Rats were euthanized at 2 and 4 weeks and semiqualitative histopathology was performed.

Results

Liposomal amphotericin B is cytotoxic in vitro but not toxic to tissues in vivo. All cells survived concentrations up to 1000 μg/mL for 5 hours, 100% ± 0%, but none survived ≥ 100 μg/mL for 7 days, 0% ± 0%. Fibrosis was seen adjacent to ALBC without inflammation or necrosis, indistinguishable from controls for both liposomal amphotericin B doses. Amphotericin B serum levels were all less than 1 µg/mL and WBC counts were all normal.

Conclusions

In vitro cytotoxicity to liposomal amphotericin B occurred but no adverse tissue reaction was seen in vivo.

Clinical Relevance

Local delivery of liposomal amphotericin B in ALBC was well tolerated by mouse tissue; however, clinical studies are needed to confirm this finding in humans.     

Metastasis from renal cell carcinoma to thyroid presenting as rapidly growing neck mass

INTRODUCTION

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is commonly known as the “internist''s tumor” because of its unpredictable behavior. Metastasis to the thyroid gland is rarely found in clinical practice.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a rare case of non-thyroid malignancies NTM from renal cell carcinoma 1.5 years after radical nephrectomy in a 58-year-old man with a rapidly growing neck mass.

DISCUSSION

Malignant melanoma, breast carcinoma, lung, and skin cancer are the most common sources of non-thyroid malignancies (NTM). Although metastases of NTMs to the thyroid gland are uncommon in clinical practice, it should be considered in patients with a history of prior malignancy and a new thyroid mass.

CONCLUSION

Isolated thyroid metastasis should be considered in patients with a previous history of cancer and newly developing thyroid mass.     

High-risk human papillomavirus infection in HIV-positive African women living in Europe

Introduction

Cervical infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) induces cervical cancer and is present in 14% of women in Europe. We assessed the prevalence and incidence of cervical HRHPV in a cohort of HIV-positive women living in Belgium.

Methods

Prospective observational program of screening and follow up of HRHPV cervical infection performed by Hybrid Capture in 825 HIV-positive women between 2002 and 2011. Women without normal cervix at baseline were excluded.

Results

The final analysis included 652 women: median age 38 years, African origin (81%), median HIV follow-up (66 months), median CD4 count (426 cells/μL) and 79% on antiretroviral therapy (cART). At baseline, HRHPV prevalence was 43% and decreased significantly as both age and CD4 cell count increased: highest prevalence (100%) in women <30 years and <200 CD4/μL and lowest (19%) in women >40 years and >500 CD4/μL (p<0.0001, multivariate analysis). The relative risk (RR) to carry HRHPV at baseline decreases proportionally by 11% for each 5 years-age increase and by 11% for each 100 CD4 cells/μL rise (RR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.93; p<0.0001, Poisson regression for both). During follow-up, incidence rate of HRHPV was 13.4 per 100 women-years.

Conclusions

We found a high HRHPV prevalence of 43% and an incidence rate of 13 per 100 women-years in this cohort of HIV-positive women living in Europe and on cART. Women under 40 years-age had the highest prevalence even with CD4 count >350 cells/μL. The magnitude of HRHPV epidemiology should prompt to evaluate the clinical efficacy of vaccines against HPV in HIV-infected women.     

Idiopathic thyroid abscess

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid abscesses are uncommon because the gland is relatively resistant to developing infection due to its rich blood supply, well-developed capsule and high iodine content. However, clinicians must be aware of this differential to make an early diagnosis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a patient who required urgent operative resection as definitive treatment for a thyroid abscess secondary to infection with Staphylococcus aureus.

DISCUSSION

Although this is rare, a thyroid abscess left untreated can lead to serious morbidity. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of the presenting features and therapeutic options.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid abscess is an uncommon diagnosis but can lead to significant morbidity. Therefore clinicians must be aware of the diagnosis in order to institute early aggressive management.     

Successful Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Background:

There are limited data on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating chronic plantar fasciitis.

Questions/Purposes:

The purpose of this study was to document the clinical outcomes of patients who were treated with PRP injections for plantar fasciitis to determine the degree to which injections were able to decrease the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and improve patient reported functional scores.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of 23 consecutive patients treated with PRP for chronic plantar fasciitis (symptoms lasting over 6 months). Patients returned after 4 weeks for a postinjection follow-up. A second injection was given if significant improvement was not obtained by that time. Postinjection foot and ankle outcome scores (FAOS), 12-item short form health survey (SF-12), and VAS scores were collected at a minimum of 6 months follow-up.

Results:

Thirty injections were given in 23 patients, with one patient lost to follow-up. The mean VAS score improved from 7 to 4. The pain, symptoms, and quality of life subscales of the FAOS and SF-12 significantly improved from preinjection scores. Five patients went on to have endoscopic release of the plantar fascia at an average of 94 days after the last injection (range, 22–314 days). Six patients obtained full resolution of symptoms while the majority of patients were able to forgo surgery due to improvement from the PRP injection.

Conclusion:

These results provide preliminary information on the safety and efficiency of PRP injection as treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-012-9321-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Ilizarov bone transport as a treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: a long-term follow-up study

Purpose

Most studies on congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) report on the short-term union rate and refracture rate but do not take into account the long-term outcome. This review includes patients treated with an Ilizarov bone transport, who all reached skeletal maturity. It describes long-term results and highlights any prognostic factors that could predict the final outcome.

Methods

The records of patients with CPT treated with an Ilizarov bone transport in our institution were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

A total of 12 consecutive patients were studied. The mean follow-up was 24.5 years (range 6–39 years). Primary consolidation was seen in ten patients (83 %). Half of these patients had a refracture. At final follow-up, eight patients experienced union and four remained un-united, of whom one had an amputation.

Conclusions

The present data confirm a good primary healing rate. However, tibial union at final follow-up was only seen in 67 %, indicating that refracture is the main issue. United bone is often of inferior biological and mechanical quality, so lifetime protection with intramedullary devices, braces or a combination of both is recommended.     

Radiographic Subsidence in Asymptomatic Patients After THR Using the Furlong Active HAP Stem

Background

The short, tapered, collarless Furlong Active stem has been recently associated in the published literature with significant subsidence using Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term radiographic subsidence in Furlong Active HAP stems and correlate the results with the age, gender, bone morphology, and bone quality of the proximal femur, stem diameter, and medullary canal filling.

Methods

Sixty-five consecutive patients (70 hips) receiving the Furlong Active HAP stems were enrolled in this prospective series. The average follow-up was 2.99 ± 1.38 years. All patients were evaluated clinically using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiographically for femoral stem subsidence. In addition, proximal femoral osteopenia, proximal femur morphology, and medullary canal filling were also evaluated.

Results

The average subsidence was 2.4 mm (from 0 to 13 mm) at the end of the follow-up period. The average HHS score at the end of follow-up was 90 (range, 81–98). There was one intraoperative fracture.

Conclusions

Of the Furlong Active stems 61% subsided with initial weight bearing. Subsidence is higher in males, but no correlation has been found with age, stem diameter, morphology, osteopenia, or canal filling.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-013-9342-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Comparison of lateral thermal damage of the human peritoneum using monopolar diathermy, Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure

Background

New hemostatic technologies are often employed in open and laparoscopic surgery to reduce duration of surgery and complications. Monopolar diathermy, Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure are routinely used in open and laparoscopic surgery for tissue cutting and hemostasis. We compared lateral thermal damage following in vivo application of 3 commonly used instruments.

Methods

We used monopolar diathermy, Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure to coagulate and divide the peritoneum of patients who underwent median laparotomy. After anesthesia, median supraumbilical laparotomy was performed, and the peritoneum of each patient was coagulated using different devices. Using light microscopy and morphometric imaging analysis, the width of tissue lateral thermal damage was measured from the point of the peritoneal incision.

Results

We included 100 patients in our study. After a peritoneal incision, the mean lateral thermal damage of monopolar diathermy, Harmonic scalpel (output power 3), Harmonic scalpel (output power 5) and LigaSure were 215.79 μm, 90.42 μm, 127.48 μm and 144.18 μm, respectively.

Conclusion

The degree of lateral thermal spread varied by instrument type, power setting and application time. LigaSure and Harmonic scalpel were the safest and most efficient methods of tissue coagulation. Monopolar diathermy resulted in the greatest degree of thermal damage in tissues.     

A cross-specialty survey to assess the application of risk stratified surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer in the UK

Introduction

This study describes variability of treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer among thyroid surgeons, in the context of changing patterns of thyroid surgery in the UK.

Methods

Hospital Episodes Statistics on thyroid operations between 1997 and 2012 were obtained for England. A survey comprising six scenarios of varying ‘risk’ was developed. Patient/tumour information was provided, with five risk stratified or non-risk stratified treatment options. The survey was distributed to UK surgical associations. Respondent demographics were categorised and responses analysed by assigned risk stratified preference.

Results

From 1997 to 2012, the Hospital Episode Statistics data indicated there was a 55% increase in the annual number of thyroidectomies with a fivefold increase in otolaryngology procedures and a tripling of cancer operations. Of the surgical association members surveyed, 264 respondents reported a thyroid surgery practice. Management varied across and within the six scenarios, and was not related consistently to the level of risk. Associations were demonstrated between overall risk stratified preference and higher volume practice (>25 thyroidectomies per year) (p=0.011), fewer years of consultant practice (p=0.017) and multidisciplinary team participation (p=0.037). Logistic regression revealed fewer years of consultant practice (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96/year in practice, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.922–0.997, p=0.036) and caseload of >25/year (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.044–3.522, p=0.036) as independent predictors of risk stratified preference.

Conclusions

There is a substantial contribution to thyroid surgery in the UK by otolaryngology surgeons. Adjusting management according to established case-based risk stratification is not widely applied. Higher caseload was associated with a preference for management tailored to individual risk.