Central lymph node metastasis of unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma: patterns and factors predictive of nodal metastasis, morbidity, and recurrence

Background  

Although subclinical cervical lymph node (LN) metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are common, the efficacy of prophylactic central LN dissection (CLND) is unclear. Few prospective studies have assessed the relationships between complete pathologic information regarding tumors and metastatic nodes in the central compartment. We therefore investigated the pattern and predictive indicators of central LN metastasis, morbidity, and recurrence in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and prophylactic CLND for unilateral PTC and clinically node-negative neck (cN0) disease.     

Impact of Combined Prophylactic Unilateral Central Neck Dissection and Hemithyroidectomy in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Background  

Lymph node metastases occur frequently in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and the central compartment of the neck is the most frequently involved site. Some authors advocate prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) during total thyroidectomy. However, little is known about the effects of prophylactic unilateral CND in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients who undergo hemithyroidectomy. This study was designed to investigate the impact of prophylactic unilateral CND in this population.     

Impact of Prophylactic Central Neck Lymph Node Dissection on Early Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background  

Although the role of prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection (CNLD) in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is controversial, many surgeons perform routine prophylactic CNLD. The present study compares local recurrence rates in PTC patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with and without prophylactic CNLD.     

Role of prophylactic central neck dissection in clinically node-negative differentiated thyroid cancer: assessment of the risk of regional recurrence

Prophylactic central neck dissection in clinically node-negative patients remains controversial. The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to determine the rate of metastases in the central neck in clinically node-negative differentiated thyroid cancer patients, to examine the morbidity, and to assess the risk of regional recurrence in patients treated with total thyroidectomy with concomitant bilateral or ipsilateral central neck dissection compared with those undergoing total thyroidectomy alone. 258 consecutive clinically node-negative patients were divided into three groups according to the procedures performed: total thyroidectomy only (group A), total thyroidectomy with concomitant ipsilateral central neck dissection (group B), and total thyroidectomy combined with bilateral central neck dissection (group C). Mean operative time and postoperative stay were shorter in Group A (p < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism was lower in Group A (p = 0.03), whereas no differences in the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism and nerve palsy were present. Postoperative radioactive iodine administration was higher in group B and particularly C (p = 0.03) compared with group A. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of regional recurrence. Differentiated thyroid cancer has a high rate of central lymph node metastasis even in clinically node-negative patients; in the present study there was no statistically significant difference in the rates of locoregional recurrence between the three modalities of treatment. Total thyroidectomy appears to be an adequate treatment for clinically node-negative differentiated thyroid cancer. Prophylactic central neck dissection might be considered for differentiated thyroid cancer patients with large tumor size or extrathyroidal extension.     

Impact of Routine Unilateral Central Neck Dissection on Preablative and Postablative Stimulated Thyroglobulin Levels after Total Thyroidectomy in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background  

Prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) remains controversial in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Because postsurgical stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) level is a good surrogate for recurrence, the study aimed to evaluate the impact of prophylactic CND on preablative and postablative sTg levels after total thyroidectomy.     

预防性中央区淋巴结清扫与甲状腺乳头状癌局部复发的Meta分析

目的:探讨预防性中央区淋巴结清扫(pCND)能否降低甲状腺乳头状癌术后的局部复发.方法:计算机检索国内外数据库中自2001年1月-2012年12月公开发表的有关甲状腺全切加pCND对比单纯甲状腺全切治疗甲状腺乳头状癌研究的文献,提取数据,行Meta分析.结果:最终纳入10个研究,共2 272例患者,其中甲状腺全切加pCND组897例,甲状腺全切组1 375例.Meta分析结果显示,甲状腺全切加pCND组较单纯甲状腺全切术组的总复发率(OR=0.73,95％ CI=0.49-1.07,P=0.11),中央区复发率(OR=0.92,95％ CI=0.33-2.51,P=0.86)及颈侧区复发率(OR=1.00,95％ CI=0.50-2.00,P=0.99)均无明显改善.结论:对于颈部淋巴结阴性(cNo)的甲状腺乳头状癌患者,预防性中央区淋巴结清扫不能减少术后复发率.     

Risk factors for central neck lymph node metastasis of clinically noninvasive,node-negative papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Background

To examine predictive factors for subclinical central neck lymph node metastases (LNM) of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods

The clinical and pathological findings of 287 patients with clinically noninvasive, node-negative, solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), who had undergone thyroidectomy plus central compartment neck dissection and showed pathologically confirmed nodal metastases, were analyzed. Predictive risk factors for central LNM were quantified.

Results

Pathologic LNM was identified in 63 (32.6%) PTMC patients and 48 (51.0%) PTC patients (tumor size >1 cm; P = .003). Tumor size (>.7 cm; P = .011), multifocality (P = .010), and microscopic extracapsular extension (P = .050) were significant variables predictive of central LNM from PTMC in univariate analysis. Tumor size (odds ratio 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 4.38; P = .014) and multifocality (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 4.93; P = .020) were independent variables predictive of central LNM in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Cervical LNM is highly prevalent in clinically noninvasive, node-negative PTC. Central neck LNM is associated with larger tumor size and multifocality of PTMC.     

Video-Assisted Versus Conventional Total Thyroidectomy and Central Compartment Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background  

Although video-assisted (VA) thyroidectomy emerged as effective treatment for selected patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), some concerns remain about obtaining adequate central neck node clearance. We compared patients who underwent VA and conventional total thyroidectomy (TT) and central compartment dissection (CCD) for PTC.     

Is it possible to intraoperatively modulate the extent of thyroidectomy in small papillary thyroid carcinoma?

BackgroundThyroid lobectomy is the preferred option for small, unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma. Involvement of the central neck lymph nodes is an indication for total thyroidectomy plus central neck dissection. We aimed to verify if frozen section examination of ipsilateral central neck nodes can identify the subgroup of patients scheduled for thyroid lobectomy intraoperatively who could benefit of more extensive initial operative treatment.MethodsNinety-four consenting patients with clinically unifocal cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma underwent thyroid lobectomy plus ipsilateral central neck dissection with frozen section examination. If the frozen section examination was positive for metastases, a completion thyroidectomy and a bilateral central neck dissection were accomplished during the same procedure.ResultsFrozen section examination identified occult nodal metastases in 25 of the 94 patients who then underwent immediate completion thyroidectomy and bilateral central neck dissection. Overall, central neck node metastases were found at final histology in 35 cases: occult micrometastases were observed in additional 9 patients and nodal metastases ≥2 mm in additional 1 patient.ConclusionIntraoperative assessment of nodal status obtained with ipsilateral central neck dissection and frozen section examination is able to change the extent of thyroidectomy in about one-fourth of patients scheduled for thyroid lobectomy. Frozen section examination appears a safe and effective strategy to decrease the need of a second-step completion procedure and, theoretically, the risk of recurrence.     

Chyle Leakage in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy Plus Central Neck Dissection for Differentiated Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background  Chyle leakage is an uncommon complication of lateral neck dissection for metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). There have been no reports on chyle leakage after central neck dissection not combined with lateral neck dissection. We therefore investigated chyle leakage in PTC patients undergoing thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. Methods  A total of 283 new patients with differentiated PTC underwent total thyroidectomy plus central neck dissection. The amount and duration of drain leakage, and the concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol in drain fluid and serum were measured in patients who had suspected postoperative chyle leakage. The incidence and management of chyle leakage were analyzed. Results  Intraoperative chyle leakage was not found in any patient, although postoperative leakage was detected in four patients (1.4%). Mean ± standard deviation peak 24-hour drainage was 122 ± 57 mL, and duration of leakage was 10 ± 7 days. Mean triglyceride concentration of drainage fluid was 433 ± 182 mg/dL. These patients were treated with pressure dressings and a medium-chain triglyceride diet. One patient underwent intralesional injection of OK-432 for localized chyle accumulation. All chyle leakages stopped after conservative management without surgical intervention. Conclusion  Chyle leakage can occur after thyroidectomy and central neck dissection not combined with lateral neck dissection. These findings will aid in the recognition and treatment of this uncommon complication during the early postoperative period.     

腔镜辅助下改良颈淋巴结清扫术在甲状腺乳头状癌中应用的安全性

目的评价腔镜辅助下改良颈淋巴结清扫术在甲状腺乳头状癌中应用的安全性。方法我们回顾分析了2006年6月1日至2013年6月1日于吉林大学第一医院甲状腺外科行腔镜辅助下改良颈淋巴结清扫术41例的甲状腺乳头状癌患者资料。统计分析其手术并发症以评价此种术式的安全性。结果纳入研究的41例患者按术式被分为以下4组：I：单独行侧颈淋巴结清扫。Ⅱ：甲状腺全切加侧颈淋巴结清扫。Ⅲ：甲状腺全切加中央区淋巴结及侧颈淋巴结清扫。Ⅳ：侧颈淋巴结清扫加中央区淋巴结清扫术。术后并发症发生率平均为58．5％。患者术后并发症发生率在第Ⅲ组中高达68％,Ⅱ组其次,可达66．7％,单独清扫侧颈淋巴结组的并发症发生率最低,仅有20％。其中暂时性甲状旁腺功能低下的发生率最高（41．5％）。无1例出现永久性并发症。无手术死亡。结论腔镜辅助下改良颈淋巴结清扫术安全性较高,较少发生永久性并发症,这种手术方式不仅保留颈部功能,保留切口美观,而且并不降低手术的安全性。然而,如果联合中央区淋巴结清扫,特别是甲状腺全切的患者,并发症的发生率将会增加。其中甲状旁腺的损伤最为常见,所以术中保护甲状旁腺显得尤为重要。     

Papillary carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst with thyroid and lateral neck metastasis

INTRODUCTIONThyroglossal duct carcinomas (TGDC) are rare, with approximately 274 reported cases since the first report in 1915. The prevalence of carcinomas in surgically removed thyroglossal duct cyst (TGD) is less than 1%. The usual recommended treatment for this condition is the Sistrunk operation, but controversies remain regarding the need for total or partial thyroidectomy.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 28-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with the symptoms of painless midline neck swelling and growing mass. A preoperative computed tomography (CT) showed a 4 cm sized heterogeneous mass at the infrahyoid anterior neck. Ultrasonography of the neck additionally showed suspicious metastatic lymph node at right level VI, both level VI. The patient underwent a Sistrunk operation. The frozen section revealed papillary carcinoma arising from TGDC and also revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma in the right thyroid, at right level III and level VI. Total thyroidectomy, right modified radical neck dissection and central neck dissection were performed. The thyroid gland and TGD were confirmed papillary carcinoma. The dissected neck lymph nodes revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma.DISCUSSIONThe usual recommended treatment for TGD is the Sistrunk procedure. There is controversy regarding whether total or partial thyroidectomy should be performed.CONCLUSIONPhysicians should be aware of extended operation, including thyroidectomy and/or neck node dissection for TGDC with metastatic lesion of thyroid and neck node.     

Complications of neck dissection for thyroid cancer

rophylactic and therapeutic neck dissections are used to control or eliminate local nodal disease in patients with thyroid cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of neck dissection. From 1992 to 1999 a series of 115 consecutive neck dissections were performed in 74 patients (32 men, 42 women; mean age 48 years) with thyroid cancer and nodal metastases. Operations included central compartment, lateral modified, and suprahyoid dissection with and without total or completion thyroidectomy. Sixty-four percent of the patients had papillary, 4% follicular, and 32% medullary thyroid cancer. Complications included transient hypocalcemia (23%) defined by a postoperative serum calcium level of <2.0 mmol/L (8.0 mg/dl), one neck hematoma (0.9%), and one cardiac death (0.9%). There were no permanent recurrent nerve palsies. Hypocalcemia occurred more frequently when neck dissection was combined with total thyroidectomy than without it (p <0.005). In this group, the incidence of hypocalcemia was higher after central, than lateral, neck dissection. When neck dissection was performed without thyroidectomy, there was no difference in the rates of hypocalcemia between central, lateral, or central with lateral neck dissection (p = NS). Hypocalcemia did not increase with repeated neck dissectionsp = NS). Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 0.9%. There were no complications after suprahyoid dissection. The median duration of hospitalization was 1 day. Therapeutic neck dissection or repeated neck dissection can be performed relatively safely in patients with thyroid cancer. Hypocalcemia occurs most frequently when neck dissection is combined with total thyroidectomy.     

Effectiveness of prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy in stopping surgical site wound problems for closed incisions in breast cancer surgery: A meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy in stopping surgical site wound problems for closed incisions in breast cancer surgery. A systematic literature search up to April 2022 was performed and 2223 women with closed incisions in breast cancer surgery at the baseline of the studies; 964 of them were using the prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy, and 1259 were using standard dressings. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy in stopping surgical site wound problems for closed incisions in breast cancer surgery using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model. The prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy women had a significantly lower total wound problems (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43-0.90, P = .01), lower surgical site wound infection (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.96, P = .03), lower wound dehiscence (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.39-0.75, P < .001) and lower wound necrosis (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.71, P < .001), in women with closed incisions in breast cancer surgery compared with standard dressings. However, prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy did not show any significant difference in wound seroma (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.32-1.65, P = .45), and hematoma (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.33-1.59, P = .001) compared with standard dressings in women with closed incisions in breast cancer surgery. The prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy women had a significantly lower total wound problems, surgical site wound infection, wound dehiscence, and wound necrosis and no significant difference in wound seroma, and hematoma compared with standard dressings in women with closed incisions in breast cancer surgery. The analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low sample size of 5 out of 12 studies in the meta-analysis and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.     

Endoscopic lateral neck dissection via breast approach for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a preliminary report

Background  

Traditional open surgery for lateral neck dissection for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) requires a large incision to obtain adequate exposure of the surgical field, leaving an unsightly scar. We applied scarless (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET) via breast approach to lateral neck dissection for PTC and evaluated its feasibility and safety.     

Clinical Efficacy of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Using Methylene Blue Dye in Clinically Node-Negative Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has recently been used to detect occult lymph node metastases. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical efficacy of SLNB in the treatment of clinically node-negative papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 114 consecutive patients with clinically node-negative papillary thyroid carcinoma were enrolled and underwent SLNB. After injection of 1% methylene blue around the tumors, blue-stained sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) were collected from the central compartments. All the patients underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral central compartment neck dissection after SLNB.

Results

SLN were identified in 84 (73.7%) of the 114 patients. Of these 84 patients, 24 (28.6%) had metastases in the SLN. Among the 60 patients who had no metastases in their SLN in frozen biopsy samples, seven had metastatic foci in their SLN in the permanent biopsy samples and six had metastases in their non-SLN samples. Central compartment lymph node metastases were detected in 11 of the 30 patients in whom SLN were not identified. Thus, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of SLNB were 64.9, 100, 100, and 78.3%, respectively. The false-positive and false-negative rates were 0 and 35.1%, respectively. The detection of SLN led to no major complications.

Conclusions

SLNB using methylene blue in papillary thyroid carcinoma is a safe and technically feasible procedure. However, it is of limited use in the management of clinically node-negative papillary thyroid carcinoma because of low sensitivity and a high false-negative rate.     

双侧甲状腺乳头状癌甲状腺全切同期双侧颈清扫的安全性分析

目的探讨双侧甲状腺乳头状癌行甲状腺全切同期双侧颈清扫的安全性。 方法回顾性分析两组患者的临床资料：观察组55例行甲状腺全切同期双侧颈清扫;对照组41例行一侧腺叶切除对侧腺叶近全切除,一侧颈清扫;采用SPSS18.0进行统计学分析,两组并发症发生率比较采用χ²检验,P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果两组患者均无手术相关死亡病例、无出血、无淋巴瘘,观察组手术并发症：声音嘶哑3例、手足麻木7例、饮水呛咳6例;对照组手术并发症：声音嘶哑2例、手足麻木5例、饮水呛咳5例。两组并发症均为暂时性,并发症的发生率两组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论双侧甲状腺乳头状癌行甲状腺全切同期双侧颈清扫是安全的,要选择适当的清扫方式,术中应用喉返神经全程显露和甲状腺被膜精细解剖技术,能有效降低术后并发症。     

Extent of Prophylactic Lymph Node Dissection in the Central Neck Area of the Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Comparison of Limited Versus Comprehensive Lymph Node Dissection in a 2-Year Safety Study

Background  To compare the “comprehensive” (including bilateral paratracheal, pretracheal, prelaryngeal lymph nodes) (CCND) with “limited” (saving contralateral paratracheal lymph nodes) central node dissection (LCND) for postoperative complications and disease recurrence rate in sonographically node-negative papillary thyroid carcinomas. Materials and Methods  From 2003 to 2005, 114 consecutive patients, diagnosed as sonographically node-negative thyroid papillary carcinomas, were included retrospectively. Among them, the LCND was performed in 56 patients and CCND in 58 patients, in combination with total thyroidectomy, based on the operator-dependent decision. We compared the complication rates and the recurrence rates between these two groups with a mean follow-up duration of 2 years. Results  Transient hypocalcemia was more frequent in the CCND group than in the LCND group (48.3% vs 26.8%, P = .02, odds ratio [OR] = 2.55). However, the other complication rates were similar in the two groups. In addition, the immediate postoperative reduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was more evident in the CCND group. The postoperative PTH levels increased up to a similar level (12.4 vs 11.8 pg/mL) over 6 months. The incidence of permanent hypocalcemia did not differ significantly between the two groups. Four (7.1%) and five recurrences (8.6%) were found in two groups, respectively, implying similar oncological safety during the 2-year follow-up. Conclusion  The LCND with total thyroidectomy could be an alternative treatment option for node-negative papillary thyroid carcinomas, because LCND had fewer short-term hypocalcemia and similar oncological outcomes during the 2-year follow-up. Further study enrolling a large number of patients with long-term follow-up is needed.     

达芬奇机器人与开放性手术在肿瘤直径大于1 cm甲状腺癌中的对照研究

目的探讨达芬奇机器人下甲状腺全切＋中央区＋颈侧区淋巴结清扫治疗肿瘤直径>1 cm乳头状甲状腺癌的可行性、有效性及安全性。 方法回顾性分析2014年2月至2018年6月在解放军第九六〇医院甲状腺乳腺外科接受达芬奇机器人腋乳入路甲状腺全切＋中央区＋单侧颈侧区淋巴结清扫术的81例乳头状非微小癌患者(机器人组)的临床资料,与同期接受传统开放手术的87例乳头状非微小癌患者(开放组)进行比较。采用统计学检验比较两组的手术时间、清扫中央区和单侧颈侧区淋巴结数目、术中出血量、住院时间、术后引流量、术后美容效果及手术并发症发生率等。 结果所有患者均顺利完成手术。与开放组相比,机器人组的手术时间及术后引流量多于开放组,术后美容效果更佳(P<0.05);清扫中央区和单侧颈侧区淋巴结数目、术中出血量、术后引流量、并发症发生率等方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论对于有选择性的肿瘤直径>1 cm的乳头状甲状腺癌患者,达芬奇机器人腋乳入路与传统开放手术行甲状腺全切＋中央区＋单侧颈侧区淋巴结清扫治疗安全性和治疗效果相似且术后美容效果更佳。     

Risk Factors for Recurrence to the Lymph Node in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients without Preoperatively Detectable Lateral Node Metastasis: Validity of Prophylactic Modified Radical Neck Dissection

Background Although papillary carcinoma usually shows mild characteristics, it metastasizes and shows recurrence to the lymph node in high incidences. Of the two representative lymph node compartments to which papillary carcinoma metastasizes, the central compartment can be routinely dissected via the surgical incision made for thyroidectomy. However, the routine application of prophylactic lateral node dissection (modified radical neck dissection [MND]) remains controversial. In this study, we investigated risk factors for lymph node recurrence of papillary carcinoma to determine the appropriate application of prophylactic MND. Methods We investigated risk factors for lymph node recurrence in 1,231 patients without preoperatively detectable lateral node metastasis who underwent thyroidectomy, central node dissection, and prophylactic MND for papillary carcinoma between 1987 and 1995. Results The incidence of lateral node metastasis and the number of metastatic lateral nodes significantly increased with carcinoma size. The lymph node disease-free survival (LN-DFS) was also significantly worse in carcinoma with a maximal diameter greater than 3 cm. Massive extrathyroid extension, male gender, and age 55 years or older also reflected a poorer LN-DFS. The 10-year LN-DFS rates of patients with carcinoma having two and three or four of these features were low at 88.5% and 64.7%, respectively, although the rates of those with carcinoma having no or only one characteristic were better than 95%. Conclusions Prophylactic MND is recommended for cases of papillary carcinoma demonstrating two or more of the following four characteristics; male gender, age 55 years or older, maximal tumor diameter larger than 3 cm, and massive extrathyroid extension.