[Is the prophylactic hemithyreoidectomy indicated in radical neck dissection? (author's transl)]

To find an explanation for tumor-recurrences around the tracheostoma, in 59 cases of squamous cell cancer of larynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx and tongue the ipsilateral hemithyreoidectomy was included into the tumorexstirpation and radical neck dissection. This histological work up of the thyroid showed no evidence of metastases within the gland. However in cases of extended metastasis or difficult surgical approach to the prae- and paratracheal areas the hemithyreoidectomy is advised.