The Impact of Uniform Capsular Dissection Technique of Total Thyroidectomy on Postoperative Complications: An Experience of More Than 1000 Total Thyroidectomies from an Endocrine Surgery Training Centre in North India.

BACKGROUND: Total thyroidectomy (TT) with a uniform technique of capsular dissection (CD) is the preferred technique worldwide. The aim of study is to analyze the impact of uniform technique of CD for done as primary surgery at an endocrine surgery training centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review from 1995 to 2009. Data collected from hospital records and follow-up. RESULTS: One thousand and thirty-eight cases were included, with mean age 42.91 ± 13.48 years; male:female - 1:2.2; mean duration of goiter - 99.83 ± 105.1 months; 67.8% were euthyroid and 30.7% - hyperthyroid at initial presentation; 35.5% were malignant. Surgery includes TT alone - 77.7% and TT with lymph nodes dissection - 22.3%; sternotomy required in 1.2% and thoracotomy in 0.1%; tracheomalacia present in 3.9%; however, tracheostomy required in 4.5% and parathyroid autotransplantation in 21%; Peroperative mean gross gland weight was 124.34 ± 129.85 g. Complications include hypocalcemia (temporary - 35.9%; permanent - 1.3%); recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (temporary - 2.7%; permanent - 91%); hemorrhage - 1.3%; and various others. CONCLUSION: TT with uniform technique of CD is a safe procedure. Certain risk factors may predispose to complications, which can be avoided and managed adequately if anticipated beforehand.

Multiple hamartoma syndrome: clinicoradiological evaluation and histopathological correlation with brief review of literature.

Cowden syndrome (CS) or multiple hamartoma syndromes (MHSs) is an uncommon condition and characterized by mucocutaneous lesions which may be associated with the lesions of breast, thyroid, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and often of central nervous system. A thorough evaluation of Cowden's disease is essential due to increased risk of malignancy in an organ or system of the affected patients. We are reporting a case of female patient who presented with multiple mucocutaneous papilloma associated with involvement of multiple organs and systems. The diagnosis was confirmed by multimodality diagnostic approach. This rare entity has not being reviewed in Indian literature till date. Being a rare case, we are discussing MHS with its clinicoradiological and histopathological correlation along with brief review of literature.

MEN 2A family--prophylactic thyroidectomy for asymptomatic siblings with positive 634 codon mutation.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2a (MEN2a) syndrome is one of the rare genetic disorder where prophylactic thyroidectomy is recommended for RET mutation carriers due to increased risk for developing MTC during lifetime. We present a case report of prophylactic total thyroidectomy in a family based on genetic screening that proved to be MTC on histopathology. This is the first reported case in India where siblings underwent codon oriented prophylactic total thyroidectomy based solely on genetic analysis for MEN2a syndrome.

Clinicopathological profile, airway management, and outcome in huge multinodular goiters: an institutional experience from an endemic goiter region.

BACKGROUND: Huge goiters are common in iodine-deficient endemic regions. They are of concern to the surgeons because of the anticipated risk of difficult dissection and increased chances of surgical complications. Similarly, they are of concern to the anesthesiologists because of anticipated intubation-related difficulties and post-thyroidectomy tracheomalacia. In the present study we aimed to present our experience of managing goiters based on their gross weight, highlighting their clinicopathological profile, perioperative airway-related difficulties, and management of surgical morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in the primary setting at our institute from 1995 to 2009 was carried out based on the gross gland weight. The patients were thus grouped into group A: ≤200 g; group B: 201 to ≤400 g; group C: 401 to ≤600 g; group D: >600 g. RESULTS: Group A (660 cases); group B (108 cases); group C (36 cases); and group D (9 cases) were included. As the goiter size increased, the mean duration of goiter, compressive symptoms, retrosternal extension (RSE), airway deformity, intubation difficulty, and tracheomalacia increased. The rate of tracheostomy, sternotomy, hemorrhage, visceral injury, and hospital stay was high with huge goiters. These features were more marked in malignant goiters compared to benign goiters. However, the postoperative complications were comparable in both of those groups. CONCLUSIONS: Long-standing huge goiters are common in iodine-deficient endemic areas. The majority of patients have symptomatic or clinicoradiological evidence of airway involvement. The incidence of RSE, airway deformity, intubation difficulty, and tracheomalacia is high with huge goiters. The surgery is technically demanding with greater associated chances of injury to native structures. Malignancy influences the presentation and outcome in smaller goiters. In centers with experienced endocrine surgeons and dedicated anesthetists, huge goiters can be successfully managed with minimal short-term and long-term morbidity.

Pattern and risk factors of central compartment lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer: a prospective study from an endocrine surgery centre.

Lymphatic metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is eminent; however, the extent of central compartment lymph nodes dissection (CCD) is controversial and requires the knowledge of pattern and risk factors for central compartment lymph nodes metastasis (CCM). We did a prospective study of 47 cases with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) with CCD with/without lateral lymph nodes dissection (LND). Clinicopathological profile including CCM as ipsilateral and contralateral was documented. On histopathology, the mean tumour size was 3.57 ± 2.42 cm 59.6% had CCM, which was bilateral in the majority (60.72%). The tumour-size was the most important predictor for lymph nodes metastasis-(P=0.018) whereas multicentricity-(P=0.002) and ipsilateral CCM-(P=0.001) were the predictors for contralateral CCM. The long-term morbidity of CCD done in primary setting is comparable with TT-alone. Bilateral CCD should be done with thyroidectomy in PTC, otherwise the risk of residual diseases and subsequent recurrence is high. The long-term morbidity is comparable in experienced hands.