Completion thyroidectomy: is timing important for transcervical and remote access approaches?

Completion thyroidectomy (CT) is employed after lobectomy when histopathological results mandates total removal of the gland as in case of well differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). It is also employed as a second stage thyroid surgery when unfavorable events occur as in recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or when the surgeon finds out the case is beyond his/her expertise in an attempt to protect the contralateral side and allowing time for recovery or for an expert surgeon to help.