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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
Reoperative central lymph node dissection for incidental papillary thyroid cancer can be performed safely: A
Chad M Hall1, Donald C LaSeur1, Samuel K Snyder1
1Baylor Scott & White Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, Texas, 76508, USA.
Background:
This study compares the pathological outcomes and operative morbidity for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients undergoing a primary total thyroidectomy (TT) with central lymph node dissection (CLND), to those undergoing an interval CLND following a previous thyroid operation, or for the unsuspected diagnosis of PTC.
Methods:
Single-institution, retrospective review of PTC patients from 2000 to 2015 was performed. Three treatment groups were identified: primary TT/CLND, interval prophylactic CLND, and interval therapeutic CLND. Primary outcome measures were number of lymph nodes removed, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury.
Results:
Results for 30 prophylactic and 35 therapeutic interval CLND were compared with 218 patients undergoing primary TT/CLND. Interval CLND was associated with similar rates of cervical metastases, complications, and a trend towards decreased lymph node recovery.
Conclusion:
Reoperative CLND for incidental PTC frequently identifies cervical lymph node metastases, potentially reduces recurrence, and can be performed with similar morbidity to a primary lymphadenectomy.
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