Differentiated thyroid cancer: feasibility of loboisthmectomy in an endemic region

The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the feasibility of loboisthmectomy for the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer in a endemic area, evaluating the histopathological features and the results of a case series of 1154 patients.

The clinical records of 1154 patients submitted to total thyroidectomy in our Department were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the histopathological characters and the results.

In 1044 cases (90.5%) a papillary cancer was observed, in 110 (9.5%) a follicular carcinoma; microcarcinomas were 399 (34.5%). Multifocality was present in 323 cases (28%), in 142 unilateral (12.3%) and in 181 bilateral (15.7%). Thyroiditis coexisted in 472 patients (40.9%), multinodular goiter in 404 (35%), Graves' disease in 48 (4.1%), and multinodular toxic goiter in 38 (3.3%). Complications were: postoperative bleeding in 20 patients (1.7%), transient unilateral vocal cord paralysis in 20 (1.7%) definitive in 10 (0.86%), a transient bilateral paralysis in 1 (0.08%), a transient hypoparathyroidism in 351 (30.4%), and a definitive in 24 (2.07%). Nodal recurrence occurred in 25 patients (2.16%).

Total thyroidectomy remains the safest treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer, especially if performed in high volume centers in which complications can be minimized. Loboisthmectomy can be a viable and safe alternative in small (< 1 cm) unifocal tumors in patients at low risk. Loboisthmectomy is limited in endemic areas by the association with other thyroid diseases. A correct and detailed information of the patient is essential before planning surgery.