RESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study compares the pathological outcomes and operative morbidity for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients undergoing a primary total thyroidectomy (TT) with central lymph node dissection (CLND), to those undergoing an interval CLND following a previous thyroid operation, or for the unsuspected diagnosis of PTC. METHODS: Single-institution, retrospective review of PTC patients from 2000 to 2015 was performed. Three treatment groups were identified: primary TT/CLND, interval prophylactic CLND, and interval therapeutic CLND. Primary outcome measures were number of lymph nodes removed, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. RESULTS: Results for 30 prophylactic and 35 therapeutic interval CLND were compared with 218 patients undergoing primary TT/CLND. Interval CLND was associated with similar rates of cervical metastases, complications, and a trend towards decreased lymph node recovery. CONCLUSION: Reoperative CLND for incidental PTC frequently identifies cervical lymph node metastases, potentially reduces recurrence, and can be performed with similar morbidity to a primary lymphadenectomy.
