Outcomes in reoperative thyroid cancer

The recommended initial treatment for locoregional recurrence of thyroid cancer is surgery. Of most value to the surgeon considering reoperation for thyroid cancer is the impact that such procedures have on patient survival; the data in this regard are limited. Also of great interest to the surgeon is morbidity associated with reoperation. Because these patients have already had a total or near total thyroidectomy, reoperation requires a surgical revisiting of an already operated bed; intuitively, one might predict a higher rate of complications owing to scar tissue. This article reviews the evidence regarding rates of various complications.