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Post-operative complications after completion thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer
L Pezzullo1, P Delrio, N S Losito
1Division of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy.
Summary
Completion thyroidectomy (CT) is a safe procedure for differentiated thyroid carcinoma, even in late-stage recurrence. This study found a 28.5% incidence of residual cancer, with low complication rates, supporting its use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Thyroid Cancer Research
Background:
- The surgical management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma remains debated, with some advocating total thyroidectomy and others limited resection.
- Completion thyroidectomy (CT) is often considered for definitive histological diagnosis after initial limited resection or for local recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of completion thyroidectomy (CT) for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
- To assess the incidence of residual carcinoma and post-operative complications associated with CT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 131 patients treated for thyroid cancer.
- 35 patients (26.7%) underwent completion thyroidectomy (CT), categorized into early (within 6 months) and late (later than 6 months) groups.
- Evaluation of residual carcinoma detection rates and post-operative complications.
Main Results:
- Carcinoma in the residual gland was found in 23% of early CT cases and 45% of late CT cases, with an overall incidence of 28.5%.
- Complications included transient hypoparathyroidism (5.6%), permanent hypoparathyroidism (2.8%), transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (8.5%), and permanent palsy (2.8%).
Conclusions:
- Completion thyroidectomy (CT) is a safe procedure for managing differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
- CT is effective in detecting residual disease, particularly in cases of local recurrence, with acceptable complication rates.