Ultrasound and thyroiditis in patient candidates for thyroidectomy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Thyroiditis frequently coexists with nodules, complicating surgical procedures.
• Both conventional and minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) can be challenging in the presence of thyroiditis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of thyroiditis on total thyroidectomy outcomes.
• To assess the utility of ultrasound (US) in surgical planning for patients with thyroiditis.
• To compare surgical approaches in patients with and without thyroiditis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 326 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
• Patients categorized into four groups based on thyroiditis presence and diagnosis.
• Comparison of ultrasound findings and surgical outcomes between groups.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in the incidence of "THYR 3-4" findings was observed between patients without thyroiditis and those with thyroiditis.
• No significant difference in ultrasound examination between patients with clinical thyroiditis and those with histological diagnosis only.
• No differences in outcomes were noted between minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and conventional surgical approaches.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid ultrasound is crucial for diagnostic evaluation and surgical approach selection.
• Thyroiditis is a relative contraindication for MIVAT, emphasizing surgeon experience.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration and surgeon expertise are vital for managing intra- and postoperative complications.