Bilateral Lateral Neck Dissection Research Articles

Qin\u2019s seven steps for endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection via the chest approach in patients with papillary thyroid cancer: experience of 35 cases

BackgroundEndoscopic thyroidectomy is widely performed as it does not result in neck scar. However, there is a paucity of reports pertaining to completely endoscopic lateral neck dissection (LND). In this study, we introduce our step-wise approach for performing endoscopic selective LND via the chest–breast approach. We refer to this approach as Qin’s seven steps.MethodsThe Qin’s seven steps are: (1) establishment of working space range; (2) dissection of lymph nodes between the SCM and the sternohyoid muscle (level IV) and exposure of omohyoid; (3) dissection of lymph nodes at level IV; (4) dissection of lymph nodes at level III; (5) dissection of lymph nodes at carotid triangle (level III); (6) exposure of accessory nerve and dissection of lymph nodes at level II a; (7) dissection of lymph nodes at level II b. We reviewed the clinical data of 35 patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who were operated using the Qin’s seven steps.ResultsAll 35 patients successfully underwent LND; bilateral LND was performed in 5 patients. The mean tumor size was 1.8 ± 1.0 cm; seven patients had multiple lesions. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes in level II, III and IV were 8.8 ± 5.6, 6.1 ± 4.0 and 9.3 ± 5.1, respectively. As for complications, there were 3 cases of accessory nerve injury and 1 case of hypoglossal nerve injury. Internal jugular vein injury, cervical plexus injury and lymphatic leakage occurred in 2, 7, and 1 patients, respectively.ConclusionThe Qin’s seven steps for performing endoscopic selective LND could be safely used in PTC patients with lateral lymph node metastasis. Satisfactory results were achieved in the short-term follow-up period. We recommend the use of Qin’s seven steps for PTC patients who are not desirous of neck scar.

Effect of perioperative application of glucocorticoid on postoperative hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia in patients with total thyroidectomy plus central compartment dissection

Objective: To evaluate the effect of glucocorticoid used in perioperative period of total thyroidectomy (TT) plus central compartment lymph node dissection (CCLND) or combining with lateral neck dissection on postoperative hypoparathyroidism (HPT) and hypocalcemia (HPC). Methods: The data of 117 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) undergone the surgeries in Tongren Hospital between Nov 2015 and Mar 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 36 males and 81 females, and their ages ranged from 21 to 74 years old, average age of 47.8±12.5. TT and CCLND were performed in 81 (69.2%) patients, and TT, CCLND and unilateral or bilateral lateral neck dissection were performed in 36 (30.8%) patients. The patients were divided into 4 groups: Group A (40 patients), no glucocorticoid was applied; Group B (36 patients), 5 mg dexmethasone sodium phosphate was sprayed on the surface of wound on both sides of trachea during operation; Group C (21 patients), 40 mg methylprednisolone was applied by intravenous injection after operation, one time per day for 3 days; Group D (20 patients), 5 mg dexmethasone sodium phosphate was sprayed on the surface of wound on both sides of trachea during operation and 40 mg methylprednisolone were applied by intravenous injection after operation, one time per day for 3 days. Serum parathyroid hormone and calcium were tested before operation and at the 1(st), 2(nd) and 3(rd) day after operation. Spss19.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the incidences of both no HPT and no HPC and the incidence of HPT alone between Group A and B (35.0% vs 61.1%, 15.0% vs 2.8%, χ(2) were 5.182 and 3.885, respectively, P<0.05), but not in the incidence of HPC alone between the two groups. There were statistically significant difference in the incidences of both no HPT and no HPC between Group A and D (35% vs 70.0%, χ(2)=6.530, P<0.05), but not in the incidences of HPT or HPC between the two groups. There were not statistically significant differences in the individual incidences between Groups A and C (P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of both no HPT and no HPC and the incidence of HPT alone between Groups B and C (61.1% vs 23.8%, 2.8% vs 23.8%, χ(2) were 7.402 and 6.229, respectively, P<0.05), but not in the incidence of HPC between the two groups (P>0.05). HPT and HPC often occurred on the 1(st) or 2(nd) day after operation. Permanent hypocalcemia did not occur in all cases. Conclusions: Intraoperative especially plus post-operative application of glucocorticoid can decrease the incidence of HPT after operation.

The effect of lateral neck dissection on complication rate for total thyroidectomy.

To determine the complication profile for total thyroidectomy with and without concomitant lateral neck dissection using a large administrative database. The IBM MarketScan® Commercial Database (2010-2014) analytic cohort was queried for patients ≥18years or older undergoing total thyroidectomy (or equivalent procedures) from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients undergoing concomitant unilateral and bilateral lateral neck dissection. The complication profiles were described. 55,204 patients underwent total thyroidectomy or equivalent procedures. Hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia was coded in 20.3% overall, with 4.7% having permanent hypoparathyroidism. Vocal cord paralysis was coded in 3.3% overall with permanent rate of 0.7%. Tracheotomy was performed in 0.3% of patients. 2743 underwent total thyroidectomy with concomitant unilateral lateral neck dissection, and 560 of these patients underwent bilateral lateral neck dissection. In patients undergoing unilateral lateral neck dissection, 30.5% of patients have hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia coded, with a permanent rate of 8.8%. Vocal cord paralysis was coded in 8.3% of patients, with a permanent rate of 1.9%. Tracheotomy was performed in 1.2% of patients. In patients undergoing bilateral lateral neck dissection, 39.6% had hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia coded, with a permanent rate of 10.9%. These patients had vocal cord paralysis coded in 10.2% of cases, with a permanent rate of 2.1%. Tracheotomy was performed in 2.5% of patients. The addition of unilateral and especially bilateral lateral neck dissection increases both overall and permanent complication rates for total thyroidectomy. These data may help to inform preoperative discussions with patients.

Medullary thyroid cancer: strategy, pitfalls and technical aspects with emphasis on remedial surgery

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that has specific diagnostic and therapeutic requireents. Currently, imaging tools show great limits to localize all residual MTC foci. Non-invasive imaging is helpful but far from perfect for guiding the re-exploration for loco regional residual MTC. The therapeutic approach is different between sporadic and hereditary MTC. In order to obtain the biochemical and anatomical control the first surgical resection is critical. Calcitonin (Ctn) rate used for MTC recurrence detection as serum marker is definite. Yet it poses a unique challenge notwithstanding its ability in detecting microscopic subclinical disease; it is not clear if patients with evident biological signs of residual MTC should be closely observed when MTC is finally found out through different investigations that localize it, or if a different aggressive approach is necessary including central neck dissection, whether or not associated with ipsilateral or bilateral lateral neck dissection. In all phases of the disease, the co-treatment by physicians with experience in MTC therapy should be sought.

Complications of Bilateral Neck Dissection in Thyroid Cancer From a Single High-Volume Center

The morbidity of bilateral lateral neck dissection (BLND) for thyroid cancers has not been described in detail. This study delineates the specific complications arising from BLND for thyroid cancers at a single high-volume center. To determine the morbidity associated with BLNDs for differentiated thyroid cancers at our institution. This was a retrospective review of medical records performed to identify patients having undergone BLNDs for thyroid cancers by a single surgeon at an academic, tertiary medical center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from 1988 to 2015. Patients who underwent BLND for papillary, follicular, or medullary thyroid cancers were identified through operative procedure codes and review of operative and pathology reports. The indication for this procedure was suspicious bilateral lateral compartment on imaging and clinical examination. Sixty-two patients who underwent BLND for thyroid cancers, with or without total thyroidectomy and central compartment dissection, were identified. The main outcome measures for this study were unanticipated medical or surgical complications during the operation or in the postoperative period. Secondary measures were oncologic outcomes, including regional structural or biochemical recurrence. Of the 62 patients, 24 were male (39%), and 38 (61%) were female. Their mean age was 46 years (range, 17-80 years). The overall risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 37%. There was 1 case of unanticipated permanent recurrent nerve paralysis and 1 case of temporary nerve paresis. Postoperative chyle fistula occurred in 6 cases (10%). There were 3 readmissions within 30 days of surgery, 1 pulmonary embolism, and 1 perioperative mortality. Fifty percent of patients had pN0 contralateral necks despite preoperative clinical suspicion. Four patients were found to have anaplastic thyroid cancers intraoperatively. Five patients (8%) developed nodal recurrence in the neck. Four patients died of their disease within available follow-up (mean, 3.2 years). Bilateral lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancers confers a significant amount of morbidity, including a significant rate of hypoparathyroidism. Knowledge of the complications of this procedure, especially in the setting of questionable survival benefit, may assist in preoperative decision-making and patient counseling.

Pediatric thyroidectomy in a high volume thyroid surgery center: Risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia

IntroductionHypocalcemia is a common complication following thyroid surgery. We seek to report on our experience in pediatric thyroidectomy in a high volume thyroid surgery center and accurately assess the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia. Materials and methodsA retrospective review of patients aged 18 and younger who underwent thyroid surgery between 1992 and 2013. The primary endpoints were the occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia as by defined as a nadir calcium <8.0mg/dL and being discharged on oral calcium supplementation, need for intravenous calcium and the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Results171 patients who underwent 186 thyroid operations were analyzed. The average age was 15.4years with 82.3% female. The most common indications for surgery were nodular disease (74.7%) and hyperthyroidism (12.4%). 24 patients (12.9%) experienced postoperative hypocalcemia with 13 (7.0%) requiring intravenous calcium infusion. One patient (0.9%) experienced permanent hypoparathyroidism. Risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia included total thyroidectomy (OR 7.39, p<0.01), central and bilateral lateral neck dissection (OR 22.26, p=0.01), Graves’ disease (OR 3.99, p=0.02), and malignancy (OR 2.96, p=0.03). ConclusionsPediatric patients who undergo total thyroidectomy for underlying malignancy or Graves’ disease and those who have more extensive nodal dissections are at increased risk of developing this postoperative hypocalcemia. These patients may benefit from more vigilant preoperative preparation and postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Biological characteristics and management of familial papillary thyroid carcinoma

To analyze the clinical biological characteristics and investigate the managements of familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (FPTC). Clinical data of 36 patients with PTC from 15 families were retrospectively analyzed compared with 95 control cases taken randomly from the patients with sporadic PTC diagnosed and treated in Tianjin Cancer Hospital between January 2010 and August 2011. Of the 36 patients with FPTC, 15 (41.7%) were ≥45 years old, 12 (33.3%) had bilateral carcinoma, 20 (55.6%) were multifocality, 27 (75.0%) had neck lymph node metastases, 17 (47.2%) coexisted thyroid benign tumors. Of the 95 patients with SPTC, 60 (63.2%) were ≥45 years old, 12(12.6%)had bilateral carcinomas, 21 (22.1%) were multifocality, 51 (53.7%) had neck lymph node metastases, and 26(27.4%)coexisted thyroid benign tumors. Of the 36 patients with FPTC, 22 (61.1%) underwent total thyroidectomy and 14 (38.9%) with unilateral thyroidectomy plus isthmusectomy, 3 (8.3%) received unilateral or bilateral lateral neck dissection and central compartment neck dissection (CND), 7 (19.4%) received unilateral or bilateral posterolateral neck dissection and CND, 6 (16.6%) received posterolateral neck dissection and bilateral CND, and 20 (55.6%) received unilateral or bilateral CND. Age at disease presentation of FPTC was younger than that of SPTC. FPTC has higher rates of multifocality and bilateral carcinoma coexisting with thyroid benign tumor than those of SPTC. It necessary to take family history in detail and to evaluate diseases before operation.

Patterns of Lymph Node Metastases in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Results from Consecutive Bilateral Cervical Lymph Node Dissection

In patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the appropriate extent of lymph node dissection has not yet been established due to lack of accurate patterns of lymph node metastases (LNM). The aim of this study was to clarify the LNM pattern in PTC patients based on our institution's experience with a consistent technique of bilateral neck dissection, and to consider the rational extent of lymph node dissection. Between 1990 and 1999, 152 consecutive patients with PTC who underwent curative total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection as initial treatment were analyzed. The patterns of LNM according to clinicopathological classification were analyzed using the lymph node ratio (LNR; number of metastatic lymph nodes/number of dissected nodes) and frequency (FLNM; number of patients with LNM/number of dissected patients) in cervical compartments. Regardless of clinicopathological classification, LNR in the central compartment was consistently higher than in other compartments, and FLNM in the ipsilateral lateral compartment was consistently higher than in other compartments except for multifocal tumors. The LNR and FLNM in the contralateral lateral compartment were significantly higher in advanced (≥T3) cases than in cases with smaller tumors (T1) and were comparable to those in the ipsilateral lateral compartment in advanced (≥T3) cases. The pattern of LNR provided a better reflection of the patterns of LNM. In terms of the LNR, central neck dissection is the basic extent of lymph node dissection for all clinically apparent PTC. In advanced patients, it is also advisable to include bilateral lateral neck dissection.

Carcinome adenoide kystique sous-glottique

Introduction: Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is unusual. It accounts for 0.25% of all malignant tumors in the larynx, and only about 120 cases have been reported in the literature until now.Purpose: We report a case of subglottic ACC and examine the clinical, diagnostic, histological and therapeutic features and the outcome of this tumor in this location.Case report: A 75-year-old man, presented with a laryngeal dyspnea. The computed tomography of the larynx showed a posterior subglottic tumor. The panendoscopy revealed a large nonulcerated submucosal tumor in the posterior wall of the subglottic area. Biopsies made the diagnosis of laryngeal ACC. The patient had total laryngectomy with total thyroidectomyand bilateral lateral neck dissection. Histological examination didn't find neck metastases. The surgery was followed by a postoperative radiotherapy. There were no local recurrence or distant metastases during one year and half of follow-up.Conclusions: ACC shows a very slow growth pattern. Its diagnosis is often delayed and its treatment is based on surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. This tumor is characterized by the occurrence of local recurrence and distant metastases often several years after treatment of the primary tumor.Keywords: adenoid cystic carcinoma, subglottic, surgery, postoperative radiotherapy, survival.

Is routine bilateral neck dissection absolutely necessary in the management of N0 neck in patients with supraglottic carcinoma?

The supraglottic larynx has a rich lymphatic network that places patients with supraglottic laryngeal carcinomas at high risk for early dissemination of the disease into the cervical lymphatics. Therefore, elective neck treatment of clinically N0 neck in patients with supraglottic carcinomas is widely accepted as a standard approach. However, the issue whether elective neck treatment should routinely be directed on both sides of the neck is still controversial. The present study is aimed at determining whether T2-T4 stage supraglottic carcinomas require bilateral neck dissection in the management of N0 necks. We designed a prospective study on 72 patients with N0 supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma. Patients were divided into three groups according to the site and extension of the primary tumors. Group I consisted of 21 patients with lateralized (clear lateral) lesion reaching but not crossing the midline. Group II comprised 25 patients with cancer largely involving one side and crossing to the midline. Group III included 26 patients with carcinoma equally involving both sides of the larynx or growth into the midline larynx. All patients underwent bilateral lateral neck dissection in conjunction with various types of laryngectomies selected to the status of the primary. Of the 72 patients, 16 were found to have occult regional metastases in pathologic examination (9 pN1, 4 pN2b, 3 pN2c). The prevalence of occult metastases proportionally increased with T stage from 8.3 to 22.7 and 31.2%, respectively, for T2, T3 and T4. Bilateral neck metastases were found in 2 of 26 patients (7.7%) with central lesions. There was only one patient (4%) with both ipsilateral and contralateral lymph node metastasis in group II. None of the 21 patients with lateral lesion (group I) had contralateral neck metastasis. Routine bilateral elective neck dissection may not be a part of the surgical procedure in all supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma patients. Bilateral neck dissection should be preferred for cases with central tumors and lateral tumors with positive nodes in the ipsilateral side of the neck.

Le carcinome médullaire de la thyroïde : les nouvelles approches thérapeutiques

Medullary thyroid carcinoma accounts for five to ten percent of all thyroid cancers. It is sporadic in 75% of cases, and familial in 25%. RET germ-line proto-oncogene mutation is detected in more than 95% of patients with familial medullary carcinoma whereas RET somatic mutation is detected in 40 to 70% of sporadic medullary carcinoma. Surgery is the only curative treatment and should consist of total thyroidectomy with central and bilateral neck dissection and homo- or bilateral lateral neck dissection. Surgery cures the disease in nearly 100% of the patients for tumor size measuring a few millimetres, in nearly 90% when the tumor measures less than 1 cm and in only 50% of the patients when tumor measures more than 1 cm. Alternative forms of treatment using radiotherapy or chemotherapy provide little benefit. A perspective of the recent trials and research into novel treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma is summarized in the following paper. We develop in this review immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, therapy, which have RET gene or protein as a target, suicide gene therapy, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors and radioiodine therapy following sodium iodide symporter gene expression.

Internal jugular vein patency after lateral neck dissection: a prospective study.

In spite of anatomical preservation of the internal jugular vein (IJV), an occlusion rate of the vessel of up to 30% has been documented after selective or modified radical neck dissections. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the patency of the IJV following selective lateral neck dissection (LND) in 34 patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract who underwent surgery concomitantly on the primary site and the neck. Eighteen patients received unilateral and 16 bilateral LND, for a total of 50 IJVs. Postoperative radiotherapy on the neck was delivered in four patients with histologic evidence of micro-extracapsular spread; the impact of this variable on IJV patency was assessed by the Fisher test. A preoperative baseline study of vein patency and flow by ultrasonography (US) was obtained. Postoperative controls were scheduled at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months following surgery. No patient developed either wound infection or a pharyngocutaneous fistula, and no signs or symptoms of IJV occlusion were observed during the postoperative course. At the first US control, 25 IJVs (50%) did not present any alteration in patency, and 23 (46%) and 2 (4%) had a reduced or absent flow, respectively. At the second and third controls, 33 (66%) and 45 (90%) of the IJVs presented with normal flow, respectively. At the end of the study, none of the patients showed evidence of occlusion. Postoperative radiotherapy did not have a statistically significant impact on IJV patency ( P=0.09). In conclusion, long-term IJV occlusion after LND has to be considered an exceedingly rare event with negligible morbidity. However, alterations of IJV flow frequently occur in the immediate postoperative course.

Laringectomia supracricóide (chep) para câncer glótico

OBJETIVOS: Com a intenção de se avaliar os resultados funcionais e terapêuticos da laringectomia supracricóide com crico-hióide-epiglote-pexia (CHEP) foram estudados 50 casos de pacientes com carcinoma epidermóide da glote classificados como T2/T3 submetidos a esta técnica em nossa instituição. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva entre 1996 e 1999. Classificamos 18 pacientes como T2N0M0 e 32 pacientes como T3N0M0. Quarenta e um pacientes foram submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo lateral bilateralmente, quatro foram submetidos ao mesmo esvaziamento unilateralmente, e cinco não foram esvaziados. Analisamos as complicações e a sobrevida livre de doença pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer. RESULTADOS: Dez pacientes tiveram complicações pós-operatórias, dois foram tratados com complementação da laringectomia. Os 48 pacientes restantes mantiveram a via aérea normal, deglutição e a voz. Três pacientes no grupo submetido a esvaziamento cervical apresentaram linfonodo metastático. Quatro pacientes tiveram recidiva da doença, três com recidiva local, sendo dois tratados com laringectomia total e estão vivos e sem doença, o outro com doença avançada alcançou o óbito pela doença. O paciente que teve recidiva no pescoço foi tratado com esvaziamento cervical mais radioterapia e morreu com doença. Dois pacientes tiveram um segundo tumor primário em orofaringe, sendo um tratado com radioterapia paliativa e morreu com doença e o outro tratado com cirurgia está vivo e sem doença. A sobrevida livre de doença em três anos foi de 88% para pacientes T2 e 72% para pacientes T3. CONCLUSÕES: Esta técnica é útil no tratamento de casos selecionados de carcinoma epidermóide da glote T2/T3 sempre se considerando a extensão da doença. A incidência de complicações necessitando laringectomia total de resgate não compromete a funcionalidade desta técnica. A sobrevivência é comparável aos pacientes submetidos a laringectomia total e laringectomia "near-total".

Treatment of nodal disease in thyroid carcinoma

Most thyroid carcinomas have a predisposition for metastases to regional lymph nodes. These are best treated by surgical removal to control morbidity. At the time of thyroidectomy, centrally located lymph nodes near the thyroid gland and in the anterior superior mediastinum should also be removed where appropriate. Excision of midjugular lymph nodes for frozen section study for micrometastases guides the need for lateral neck dissection for patients without lymphadenopathy. Evident lateral neck metastases are best treated surgically by a modified radical cervical lymph node dissection, with the objective of preserving structures other than the fibroareolar tissue containing lymph nodes. The extent of operation should adjust to the evident extent of disease. Lateral neck dissection is justified for all clinically evident medullary thyroid carcinomas; for those detected by screening only, biopsy of midjugular lymph nodes can direct the need for lateral neck dissection. One internal jugular vein should be preserved in a bilateral lateral neck dissection.