The value of total tumor diameter in unilateral multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Tumor multifocality is frequently observed in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the maximum tumor diameter (MTD), currently utilized in various staging schemes, might not accurately indicate the level of aggressiveness exhibited by multifocal tumors. We aimed to investigate the relationship between total tumor diameter (TTD) and clinicopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Retrospective data analysis was done on 1936 individuals who underwent complete thyroidectomy for PTC. Patients were classified into subgroups according to unilateral multifocality, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM). The relationships of clinicopathological features among these groups were analyzed. Results: Unilateral multifocality was observed in 117 patients. The clinicopathological features of the unilateral multifocal PTC were similar to the unifocal PTC with approximate TTD. The unilateral multifocality played no independent role in CLNM and LLNM. Moreover, the efficiency of TTD in predicting CLNM and LLNM was significantly higher than that of MTD. Conclusion: In the case of unilateral multifocal PTC, TTD is a more accurate indicator of the biological characteristics of the tumor than MTD.

Surgical treatment and prognosis values of extranodal extension to recurrent laryngeal nerve in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) invasion by extranodal extension (ENE) is a rare condition that may occur in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and it has never been characterised in the literature.Our research aims to investigate the clinical significance of ENE to RLN including its effect on vocal cord function, relationship with the aggressive behaviour of PTC, and optimal surgical methods. METHODS: A total of 3119 patients, including 2868 patients without RLN invasion, 251 patients with RLN invasion [categorised into the ENE invasion group (n = 55) and extrathyroidal extension (ETE) invasion group (n = 196)] were analyzed retrospectively. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, vocal cord paralysis (VCP), postoperative complications, surgical methods, rates of recurrence and metastasis were collected. Predictive disease-free survival (DFS) was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The ENE invasion group showed a similar rate of VCP and DFS compared with the ETE invasion group (P = 0.15, P = 0.38, respectively). Sharp separation applied on the invaded nerves preserves the visual integrity of the RLN without significantly reducing the DFS (P > 0.05). ETE or ENE to RLN, lymph nodes metastasis (LNM), and T4 stage were independent factors for total recurrence [P = 0.04, hazard ratio (HR), 1.97 (1.04-3.75); P = 0.00, HR, 4.63 (2.24-9.54); P = 0.00, HR, 3.63 (1.94-6.77); P = 0.00, HR, 6.1 (3.24-11.50)]. RLN invasion, both by ETE or ENE, was significantly associated with reduced DFS (P = 0.00; P = 0.00, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: ENE to RLN, while rare, has not previously been well-studied. Our interesting premise and important findings including ENE to RLN has the same poor prognostic impact on recurrence as does invasion of the RLN by ETE and surgical management for the invaded RLN that preserves its visual integrity without compromising DFS. Those novel findings indicate that ENE to RLN could be considered as an additional factor beyond post-operative disease status and risk stratification, and it would be a valuable addition to further individualise treatment/surveillance for PTC.

The Effects of Radioiodine Therapy on the Recovery of Parathyroid Function in Patients with Protracted Hypoparathyroidism after Total Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of 131I treatment on postoperative parathyroid function and the timing of recovery of parathyroid function (RPF) in patients with protracted hypoPT. METHODS: 260 patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) were retrospectively analyzed, including 166 patients treated with radioactive iodine-131 (131I) classified into the 131I group and 94 patients without 131I treatment classified into the control group. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, demographics, dose and interval time of 131I treatment, number of parathyroid glands remaining in situ (PGRIS), occurrence of hypoPT, duration of RPF, preoperative and postoperative levels of Ca and PTH were collected. RESULTS: The patients in the 131I group showed a higher persistent hypoPT rate than those in the control group (p = 0). The PGRIS and total number of PG were significantly higher in patients who recovered from protracted HypoPT (p = 0.02; p = 0.03). PGRIS and 131I treatment [1 ∼ 2 VS 0, p = 0.03, OR 3.19; 3 ∼ 4 VS 0, p = 0.02, OR3.62; p = 0.02, OR 1.98, respectively] were independent factors influencing postoperative persistent hypoPT. The timing of RPF differed significantly for patients in the control group compared to those in the 131I group [p = 0.00]. CONCLUSIONS: We found that 131I treatment significantly prolonged the RPF of patients with protracted hypoPT and caused late RPF (even beyond 12 months). The diagnosis of "permanent" hypoPT should be cautiously made at least 12 months after surgery, especially in patients who receive 131I treatment.

Effect of preoperative 25 hydroxyvitamin D deficiency on posoperative parathyroid function in patients with papillary thyroid cancer / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] on postoperative parathyroid function in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) .Methods:426 patients who diagnosed as PTC and underwent at least total thyroidectomy plus central lymph node dissection (including lateral lymph node dissection) in Center of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from Jun. 2017 to Sep. 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 313 were women and 113 were men, they were divided into vitamin D deficient (VDD) group ( n=297) and normal group ( n=129) according to preoperative 25 (OH) D levels ≤ 20ng/ml and > 20ng/ml. SPSS 23.0 statistical software was used for data processing. Pearson χ2 test or Fisher exact test were used to compare the incidence of clinical hypoparathyroidism, biochemical temporary and biochemical permanent hypoparathyroidism between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the related factors of postoperative hypoparathyroidism between the two groups. Results:Preoperative 25 (OH) D level was significantly correlated with postoperative biochemical temporary hypoparathyroidism ( P=0.04, OR=1.11) . Compared with patients with adequate preoperative vitamin D, preoperative vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of biochemical transient hypoparathyroidism by 6.67 times ( P=0.03;OR=6.67) . There was no significant correlation between preoperative vitamin D deficiency and early postoperative clinical hypoparathyroidism (2.7% vs 3.9%, P=0.55) . Conclusion:Correction of vitamin D deficiency before operation may reduce the incidence of postoperative temporary hypoparathyroidism caused by 25 (OH) D deficiency.

Predictive value of parathyroid hormone decline rate for permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of the decrease rate of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in predicting permanent hypoparathyroidism (PHP) in one month after operation of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) .Methods:The clinical data of 322 patients with PTC who underwent at least total thyroidectomy and unilateral central lymph node dissection in the Thyroid Surgery Center of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from Jan. 2013 to Jun. 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 257 women and 65 men. According to the time when PTH returned to normal, they were divided into 307 cases in the temporary hypoparathyroidism (THP) group and 15 cases in the PHP group. The decrease rate of PTH and the incidence of hypoparathyroidism in one month after operation were counted, the clinical characteristics and operation information were observed, and the risk factors of PHP were analyzed. SPSS 23.0 statistical software was used for data processing. χ 2 test and t test were used for comparison between THP and PHP. The related factors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results:307 cases of THP and 15 cases of PHP were included. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age ≥ 55 years old ( OR, 35.193; 95% CI, 2.936 - 421.870; P=0.005) and PTH before operation closer to normal lower limit ( OR, 2.349; 95% CI, 1.161 - 4.755; P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for PHP. Patients with PHP had a higher rate of PTH decline in 1 month after operation ( OR, 373.439; 95% CI, 26.568 - 5248.983; P=0.000) . The ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity of predicting PHP were 86.7% and 94.8% respectively. Conclusions:The age of patients with PTC ≥ 55 years old and PTH before operation closer to normal lower limit are independent risk factors for the occurrence of PHP. The decline rate of PTH in one month after operation which more than 73.2% can predict PHP.

Correlation between Pre-Operative 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Poor Prognostic Factors for Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between pre-operative 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels and poor prognostic factors for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). METHODS: A total of 1161 patients diagnosed with PTC were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were categorized .based on their pre-operative 25 (OH) D levels into three groups: the severe vitamin D deficiency (VDD) group (25 (OH) D < 10 ng/mL), moderate VDD group (20 ng/mL > 25 (OH) D ≥ 10 ng/mL), and control group (25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL) Differences in the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics among the three groups were analyzed. Linear and logistic regression analyses were also performed to determine the effect of 25 (OH) D levels on the established poor prognostic factors for PTC. RESULTS: We observed a negative correlation between 25 (OH) D levels and tumor size (r = -0.067, P = 0.049). Severe VDD and moderate VDD were independently associated with lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis diagnosed during surgery (P = 0.00, odds ratio (OR) = 4.11; P = 0.00, OR = 3.33, respectively). After adjusting parameters such as sex, age, body mass index, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, severe VDD and moderate VDD were found to be closely associated with advanced cancer stage (stage III or IV) (P = 0.018, OR = 3.02; P = 0.041, OR = 3.60, respectively). Additionally, a significant correlation (P = 0.007) was observed between the pre-operative 25 (OH) D and TSH levels. CONCLUSION: 25 (OH) D levels were significantly associated with certain poor prognostic factors for PTC, including larger tumor diameter and the occurrence of lymph node metastasis. More prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether the assessment and supplementation of vitamin D contributes to the pre-operative management of patients with PTC.

[Analysis of correlation factors of contralateral central lymph node metastasis in unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma with lateral cervical lymph node metastasis].

Objective: To examine the correlation factors of contralateral central lymph node metastasis in unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma with lateral cervical lymph node metastasis. Methods: The clinical data of patients with unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral central lymph node dissection and ipsilateral cervical lymph node dissection from June 2016 to June 2018 at Department of Thyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 317 patients, including 87 males and 230 females, aged (41.4±12.1) years (range: 16 to 75 years), were enrolled in this study. The risk factors of contralateral central lymph node metastasis were analyzed by χ2 test and Spearman correlation analysis. Results: There were 116, 69, 269, and 181 cases of pretracheal lymph node, prelaryngeal lymph node, ipsilateral central lymph node and contralateral central lymph node metastasis, respectively, and 16 cases of skipping metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that contralateral central lymph node metastasis was associated with gender, maximum tumor diameter, capsule invasion, pretracheal lymph node metastasis, prelaryngeal lymph node metastasis, and ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that male (rs=0.162, P=0.004), maximum tumor diameter>10 mm (rs=0.184, P=0.001), capsule invasion (rs=0.135, P=0.016), pretracheal lymph node metastasis (rs=0.394, P<0.01), prelaryngeal lymph node metastasis (rs=0.272, P<0.01) and ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis (rs=0.203, P<0.01) were independent correlation factors for contralateral central lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: For patients with unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma with ipsilateral cervical lymph node metastasis, bilateral central lymph node dissection should be considered if male, tumor diameter>10 mm, capsule invasion, pretracheal lymph node metastasis, prelaryngeal lymph node metastasis, or ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis.

Protective strategy of parathyroid glands during thyroid lobectomy: A retrospective cohort and case-control study.

ABSTRACT: Parathyroid protection during thyroid lobectomy was not illustrated previously. Aim of this study was to find out the influence of parathyroid glands in situ preservation and autotransplantation on postoperative parathyroid function in thyroid lobectomy.Consecutive patients who underwent primary thyroid lobectomy with unilateral central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma in our center were included retrospectively. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism was defined as low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (<1.6 pmol/L) and keeping over 6 months was defined as permanent. Patients were divided into 3 groups: all identified parathyroid glands preserved in situ (preservation group); at least one parathyroid gland autotransplanted without accidental resection (autotransplantation group); at least one parathyroid gland accidental resected (resection group).A total of 425 patients were included. No permanent hypoparathyroidism was reported, and the rates of transient hypoparathyroidism were similar among all groups. Significantly lower serum PTH levels were found in autotransplantation group versus preservation group at postoperative 1-day (3.77 ±â€Š1.61 vs 4.72 ±â€Š2.31, P < .001). Transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly associated with reduced intraoperative carbon nanoparticles utilization (57.1% vs 77.4%, P = .039).Thyroid lobectomy was a safe surgical method for parathyroid protection no matter the practice to ipsilateral parathyroid glands. However, preservation of all parathyroid glands was still recommended considering relatively stable PTH levels.

Surgical outcomes of different approaches in robotic assisted thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of four approaches of robotic assisted thyroidectomy (RT). The approaches mentioned above are also compared with traditional open thyroidectomy (OPEN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline, Embase, Cochrane library (CENTRAL) and Web of Science databases were searched up to 13th Dec 2019. Data of surgical outcomes and complications were extracted to conduct the statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 30 studies with 6622 patients were included. Ten were prospective study and 1 declared prospective randomized comparative study. The number of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) in central compartment were similar between gasless transaxillary approach (GAA), bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) and transoral approach (OA). OPEN retrieved more LNs than BABA and OA. More metastatic LNs were seen in GAA and BABA than OA, as was for OPEN. The operation time was significantly shorter in GAA and gasless unilateral transaxillary approach (GUAA) than BABA and OA, while shortest for OPEN. Lower incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism was found in BABA than OPEN. No significant difference was observed in other indexes. CONCLUSIONS: BABA, GAA, GUAA and OA in RT appear to be feasible and safe for patients with thyroid cancer with unique benefits. Surgical outcomes of different approaches were not identical for operation time, cosmetic effects, central neck dissection. Surgeons would consider more about patients' will.

Surgical strategy when identifying less than four parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid glands protection is still controversial in patients with less than 4 parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the strategy of parathyroid autotransplantation or in situ preservation in patients with 3 parathyroid glands. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent primary total thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in our center were included retrospectively. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (pg/mL), incidence of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism during 24 months follow-up were compared grouping by the number of parathyroid glands both identified intraoperatively and confirmed postoperatively by pathology. RESULTS: A total of 1,424 patients were included. Serum PTH and calcium levels were lower and the incidence of hypocalcemia was higher in patients with 3 identified parathyroid glands. When excluding patients with accidental parathyroid resection, the results remained similar. Of the 212 patients with 3 identified parathyroid glands, PTH levels at postoperative 12-month in patients underwent autotransplantation were significantly lower than patients with all parathyroid glands preserved in situ (3.65±1.30 vs. 4.67±1.89, P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The parathyroid function was weaker in patients with 3 parathyroid glands than patients with 4 before and after operation. Parathyroid glands preserved all in situ promoted better recovery of postoperative function in patients with 3 identified parathyroid glands.