[The principles of differentiated thyroid cancer surgery and anesthesia in pregnancy: three case reports]

Development of thyroid nodule during pregnancy is rare, however the cancer rate of this nodule is high. Herein, we present medical outcomes of three pregnant women who were operated with the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in the light of literature. As sonographic findings of three cases showed malignant characteristics, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed. Cytological examination result was reported as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Surgery was performed in the second trimester in all cases. One case underwent total thyroidectomy with neck dissection at level III and VI and two cases underwent total thyroidectomy with neck dissection at level VI. Pathological examination result was also reported as PTC. Lymph node metastases in the dissected materials were detected. During the intraoperative and early postoperative period, no complications occurred and no findings of recurrence or residues were observed during one-year follow-up following surgery. In conclusion, as the first trimester has an increased risk of congenital malformations, elective surgery should be performed at the second trimester, if applicable. In pregnants with malignant sonographic features and PTC confirmed by FNAB, surgery can be applied safely by taking precautions during pre-/peri- and postoperative period. These patients should not be given premedication for anesthesia, should be properly positioned and teratogenic agents should be avoided. After surgery, mother and fetus should be monitored closely.