Recurrent Nerve Research Articles

Application of mitoxantrone hydrochloride in lymph node imaging during radical thyroidectomy

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of the new tracer mitoxantrone hydrochloride in imaging of cervical lymph nodes and identifying of parathyroid, recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid cancer radical surgery. Methods: A prospective controlled study was conducted between January 2022 and April 2024 at Tianjin First Central Hospital, recruiting 180 patients with thyroid cancer, including 54 males and 126 females, aged from 26 to 69 years. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: the mitoxantrone hydrochloride lymph node tracing group (MHI group), the nanocarbon lymph node tracing group (nanocarbon group), and the control group without lymph node tracers, with 60 cases in each group. All patients underwent total thyroid resection and regional lymph node dissection. The number of detected lymph nodes and positive metastatic lymph nodes and surgical field clarity scores and the identification rate of parathyroid glands and the instances of inadvertent excision were compared between the groups. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels at different perioperative time points and treatment-related complications were analyzed. One-way ANOVA, chi-square test and two independent sample non-parametric tests, were employed for statistical analyses. Results: The mean operation time, neck drainage volume and hospital stay in the MHI group and the nanocarbon group were respectively significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The mean staining intensity score, tracer success rate and surgical field clarity score in MHI group were respectively significantly higher than those in nanocarbon group (P<0.05). The mean numbers of dissected lymph nodes positive metastatic nodes and identification rates of parathyroid glands in MHI group were respectively significantly higher than those in both the nanocarbon and control groups (P<0.05). The rates of inadvertent parathyroid excision in both MHI group and nanocarbon group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). On postoperative day 1 and day 5, mean serum calcium and PTH levels in MHI group were respectively significantly higher than those in nanocarbon group and control groups. However, on postoperative day 1, there was no difference in mean serum calcium levels between the nanocarbon group and the control group (P>0.05), though PTH level in the nanocarbon group was higher than that in the control group. By postoperative day 5, both serum calcium and PTH levels were higher in the nanocarbon group compared to the control group (P<0.05). On postoperative days 30, there were no differences in serum calcium and PTH levels between the MHI group and the nanocarbon group (P>0.05). The risks of facial numbness, hand and foot tetany and choking during drinking were lower in both the MHI and nanocarbon groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: MHI demonstrates advantages in rapid targeted delivery and clear staining of the surgical field during regional lymph node dissection in radical thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, effectively reducing the risk of collateral damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands.

Upper Esophageal Fetal Rhabdomyoma: A Case Series of 4 Children and Review of Literature.

Objective: The aims of the present study were to provide objective evidence for identifying fetal rhabdomyoma (RM) in the upper esophagus of children, enhance clinical understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, and optimize the treatment strategy for fetal RM. Methods: The clinical medical records of 4 children with upper esophageal fetal RM were retrospectively collected, and were admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at our hospital between July 2016 and July 2022. Their clinical, histological, and therapeutic characteristics were analyzed in combination with the literature. Results: Four children diagnosed with upper esophageal tumors were included and all of them underwent resection of the upper esophageal tumor with esophageal-pharyngeal reconstruction, and 2 of them underwent prophylactic tracheotomy due to recurrent laryngeal nerve adhesion. Preoperative biopsy was performed in 2 cases (case 2 and case 4), while intraoperative frozen section analysis was conducted in the other 2 (case 1 and case 3), with pathological results consistent with fetal RM. Patients were followed up for 25 to 96 months after the surgery. So far, only 1 patient has experienced a recurrence of fetal RM and underwent a second surgical resection to remove the tumor. Conclusion: Fetal RM is a benign tumor prone to recurrence, and complete excision is the preferred optimal treatment. Clinicians need to understand and master the management algorithm for fetal RM to standardize its diagnosis and treatment.

Sutureless FOCUS harmonic scalpel versus clamp-and-tie techniques for thyroidectomy: A meta-analysis of 43 randomized controlled trials

Background: One of the most important surgical steps during thyroidectomy is the safe ligation of vessels. In fact, it is crucial to avoid postoperative bleeding and nerves’ injury. The “clamp and tie” technique was first introduced in the 19th century. Since then, a lot of other techniques have been adopted to facilitate the safe ligation and sectioning of thyroidal vessels; however, one of the most relevant advances is the introduction of energy-based devices (EBDs), which occurred three decades ago. Purpose: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sutureless FOCUS harmonic scalpel (second generation EBDs) versus conventional clamps-and-tie technique) in total thyroidectomy. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis represent the largest comparison in literature between the thyroidectomy procedure with the second-generation Advanced Harmonic Scalpel Ultrasonic Focus (UAS FOCUS) versus the conventional Clamp-and-Tie (CT) technique: as a matter of fact, it includes 43 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a total of 10.361 patients. The incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve was statistically lower in patients undergoing UAS (3.99%) rather than CT (5.23%) (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99). The incidence of transient hypocalcemia was 11.3% in patients who underwent thyroidectomy with UAS FOCUS and 15.4% in those who underwent thyroidectomy with CT. Conclusion: Sutureless EBD is associated with a lower risk of damage to the laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. The rate of hypocalcemia and nerve paresis is indeed lower due to less thermic damage. Sutureless EBD can also diminish the rate of postoperative bleeding and cervical hematoma, a rare but potentially fatal complication.

7387 A Rare Case Of Concomitant Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Carcinoma With Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica, Masquerading As Oncocytic Thyroid Carcinoma - A Post-operative Diagnosis

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Koh: None. D.E. Chew: None. T.P. Quek: None. Introduction: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare form of malignancy. An intrathyroidal location of parathyroid carcinoma further complicates the diagnosis as it may be mistakenly presumed to be of thyroid origin instead. We present a case report of an intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma which was diagnosed post-total thyroidectomy. Clinical case: A 72-year-old lady was found to have an intrathyroidal mass after presenting with unintentional weight loss and chronic constipation. Ultrasound of the neck showed a 4.0 x 2.9cm markedly hypoechoic solid mass in the mid-lower right thyroid lobe. Fine needle aspiration of the mass was suspicious for an oncocytic neoplasm. She underwent total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection for concerns of oncocytic thyroid carcinoma. Intraoperatively, a 4cm right hard intrathyroidal nodule invading into the right recurrent laryngeal nerve was observed. All 4 parathyroids were identified and preserved. Post-operatively, routine biochemistry to monitor for hypocalcemia showed hypercalcemia instead. This quickly transitioned into hypocalcemia on post-operative day 4, with biochemistry supportive of hungry bone syndrome [adjusted calcium 2.05mmol/L [normal range (NR) 2.15-2.5], phosphate 0.6mmol/L (NR 0.8-1.4), PTH 8.2pmol/L (NR 0.8-6.8), 25-OH vitamin D 18ug/L (NR 30-100)]. She was started on oral calcium carbonate, calcitriol and cholecalciferol aiming for normocalcemia. Evidence for underlying primary hyperparathyroidism were sought for, which showed osteitis fibrosa cystica, severe osteoporosis and an ossifying fibroma of the mandible, suggesting underlying hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour-syndrome. The intra-operative histology was reported as oncocytic carcinoma with angio- and perineural invasion, presumed to be thyroid in origin. Given our suspicion of underlying primary hyperparathyroidism, we requested our pathology colleagues to perform additional immunochemical stains, which stained diffusely positive for parathyroid hormone, GATA3 but were negative for thyroglobulin, thyroid transcriptor factor-1, confirming its parathyroid origin. Her hungry bone syndrome resolved 22 weeks post-operatively. Till present (14 months post-operatively), her calcium and PTH levels remain normal and ultrasound of the neck did not reveal any evidence of recurrence. She declined genetic screening. Clinical Lesson: A high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma. In a patient who presents with constitutional symptoms and a neck mass, it is imperative to consider parathyroid disease as a differential diagnosis. A lesion with oncocytic morphology may be of parathyroid or thyroid origin, and the use of immunochemical stains can help differentiate them. Effective communication between clinicians and pathologists is essential in clinching the correct cytopathological diagnosis. Presentation: 6/3/2024

6850 A Case of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma With a Complete Metabolic Response to Pembrolizumab

Abstract Disclosure: E. Tirthani: None. J.T. Kung: None. Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive disease with limited therapeutic options and generally poor prognosis. Post-surgery, most patients are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors +/- immune checkpoint inhibitors. We describe a unique case of ATC with a complete metabolic response to pembrolizumab, a selective PD-1 inhibitor, as evidenced by imaging. Clinical Case: A 69-year-old female presented to the clinic for evaluation of a rapidly enlarging neck mass. The initial ultrasound showed a large mixed cystic-solid right thyroid nodule with irregular margins with micro- and macrocalcifications, which was biopsied. Cytology showed discohesive high-grade malignant tumor cells with enlarged nuclei, nuclear hyperchromasia in the background of necrosis, and dense neutrophilic infiltration concerning for ATC. A CT scan of the neck and chest showed a complex cystic thyroid mass with central necrosis and calcification with paratracheal, supraclavicular, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. MRI of the brain was negative for metastatic disease. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy with right and left level 6 and 7 neck dissection. Intra-operatively, gross extrathyroidal extension of the tumor was noted to the right carotid, larynx, right recurrent laryngeal nerve, and esophagus, with residual tumor left behind near the larynx. Pathology confirmed stage IVC ATC, positive for PIK3CA, NF1, p53 mutations, and BRAF negative. 90% of tumor cells showed PD-L1 expression on immunohistochemical staining. The post-surgical PET scan showed two discrete, well-defined foci of very intense FDG uptake, corresponding to the right lower cervical and para-esophageal lymph nodes with no evidence of distant metastasis. Systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel (5 cycles) was initiated with concurrent intensity modulated radiation therapy (total 60 Gy/40 fractions to thyroid bed and bilateral neck). Repeat imaging showed minimal change in the size of the PET-positive lymph nodes. Immunotherapy was initiated and with just 2 cycles of 400 mg IV pembrolizumab, a repeat PET scan was obtained, which showed a complete metabolic response to therapy. Minimal residual FDG activity in the right supraclavicular region was thought to be secondary to posttreatment changes. The patient was able to resume her activities of daily living and had an improvement in appetite. The plan is to continue 400 mg IV pembrolizumab every 6 weeks while cautiously assessing for adverse effects from immunotherapy. Conclusion: It is rare to see a complete metabolic response to therapy with pembrolizumab without concurrent use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with ATC. A high tumoral PD-L1 expression may be the key to having this kind of dramatic response. Presentation: 6/3/2024

12396 A Case Of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Without Germline RET Mutation

Abstract Disclosure: I. Marranzini Rodriguez: None. M. Lemelman: None. L. Canham: None. Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor that originates from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. MTC accounts for approximately 5% of thyroid cancer in children, and the majority of MTC cases are associated with the autosomal dominant tumor predisposition syndrome Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2 (MEN2). Sporadic MTC is uncommon in the pediatric population and associated with somatic mutations of RET or RAS (1). Existing management options for metastatic disease have demonstrated some benefit, however, with systemic side effects. Selpercatinib, a highly selective RET kinase inhibitor, is FDA approved for patients &amp;gt;= 12 years of age. Here we present a case of a 10-year-old patient with metastatic MTC with encouraging results. Clinical Case: A previously healthy 10 year 2-month-old male presented with left-sided neck swelling. Imaging showed a 9.7 cm solid mass spanning nearly the entire left neck, occluding the left internal jugular vein, extending to the upper chest, and resulting in high-grade narrowing of the trachea near the thoracic inlet; the mass involved the left thyroid gland and engulfed the left common carotid. His initial lab evaluation showed an elevated TSH of 10.10 mcU/mL (0.6-5.5 mcU/mL) and Free T4 1.22 ng/dL (0.9-1.67 ng/dL). Tumor markers revealed a calcitonin of 32,264 pg/mL (normal range &amp;lt;= 6.0 pg/mL) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) of 200 ng/ml (normal range 0 – 3.4 ng/mL). He underwent biopsy of the mass which showed medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and genetic evaluation of tumoral tissue showed RET c.2753T&amp;gt;C, p.M918T somatic mutation. Evaluation for pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism, given association of MTC with MEN2, was negative. Genetic testing was negative for germline RET mutations. He was started on selpercatinib, 120 mg every 12 hours. Follow up imaging after 2 months of therapy demonstrated a significant decrease in tumor burden. Approximately 5 months after starting he had a decrease in CEA to 14.8 ng/mL and calcitonin to 69 pg/mL, prior to surgery. Given the risk of locoregional recurrence he underwent total thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection. However, the tumor was noted to be adherent to the trachea, encasing the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and left carotid artery preventing full resection. He was started on levothyroxine at 62.5 mcg daily on POD#1 and re-started on selpercatinib approximately 2 weeks post-operatively. Conclusion: We present a case of RET-positive metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma without germline RET mutation successfully treated with selpercatinib. Long-term follow-up for sustained response and tolerability is needed. Reference: 1. Bauer, Andrew J. “Pediatric Thyroid Cancer: Genetics, Therapeutics and Outcome.” Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America vol. 49,4 (2020): 589-611. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2020.08.00 Presentation: 6/2/2024

7914 Staged Treatment with Radioiodine Following Lobectomy in a Case of High Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract Disclosure: L. Pathak: None. A. Sharma: None. K. Rao: None. M.G. Jakoby: None. Introduction: Radioiodine ([1]3[1]I ) is usually reserved for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) who are at high risk of persistence or recurrence after thyroidectomy. We present a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with extrathyroidal extension managed by lobectomy and staged [1]3[1]I ablation of the contralateral lobe and metastases due to comorbidities that made oncologic resection prohibitive. Case Description: A 58-year-old male had a 2.2 cm focus of PTC in the left thyroid lobe that extended into extrathyroidal soft tissue, adjacent trachea, and completely compromised the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Due to left vocal cord paralysis and subglottic tracheal stenosis, left lobectomy was performed but oncologic resection (total thyroidectomy and tracheal resection) was deferred. The patient underwent recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) stimulated treatment with 30 mCi (1.1 GBq) of [1]3[1]I for right thyroid lobe ablation followed 60 d later by 180 mCi (6.7 GBq) of [1]3[1]I to treat metastases. Response to treatment was incomplete, with unstimulated thyroglobulin level falling from 293.9 to 18.9 ng/mL 1 y after [1]3[1]I and CT of the neck notable for a 2.7 cm left thyroid bed mass with invasion of adjacent trachea and a 1.0 cm right paratracheal mass, both of which exhibited hypermetabolism on PET imaging and yielded cytology consistent with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). A cluster of left supraclavicular lymph nodes showed both hypermetabolism on PET and radioiodine uptake on rhTSH scan. This patient is being prepared for surgical resection of the left thyroid bed and right paratracheal tumors and left lateral lymph node dissection. Discussion: Radioiodine lobar ablation is an alternative to completion thyroidectomy in patients with an unexpected diagnosis of DTC after lobectomy, with a recent meta-analysis finding a success rate of 69%. No difference in thyroid cancer recurrence rates was found in nearly 500 matched pairs of patients undergoing completion thyroidectomy or radioiodine lobar ablation. Unfortunately, staged lobar ablation followed by high dose [1]3[1]I was not successful in treating this high-risk PTC patient. Cases of coexisting PTC and PDTC are reported, and [1]3[1]I treatment was unsuccessful at treating PDTC that was not apparent on postsurgical histopathology. This case indicates that surgery is preferable to staged [1]3[1]I treatment of patients with aggressive PTC, especially if there are no comorbidities that make total thyroidectomy a high-risk procedure. Presentation: 6/2/2024

8728 Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation in Thyroid Microcarcinomas: Experience of the Brazilian Group with 143 Cases

Abstract Disclosure: L.G. Amato: None. P.H. Carani: None. L.D. Volpi: None. A. Rahal: None. E.M. Volpi: None. Introduction: Thyroid nodules are quite prevalent worldwide, with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) being the most common histological subtype of thyroid malignant neoplasm, accounting for approximately 85% of thyroid cancers. When this carcinoma is less than 10 mm in its longest axis, it is defined as papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (mPTCs) which has had an increasing proportion of thyroid cancers and with a disease-specific survival of patients having this diagnosis more than 99% after 10 years of follow-up. Most guidelines concerning thyroid cancer care recommend a lobectomy as the first-line treatment strategy for low-risk unifocal mPTC but often results in aggressive overtreatment. Thyroid surgery comes with significant costs and morbidity rates caused by iatrogenic hypothyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, resulting in poor quality of life, justifying the growing search for minimally invasive and effective methods in the treatment of mPTC and in this context Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive treatment that preserves thyroid function have been proposed for patients with low-risk mPTC. Clinical case: From April 2018 to January 2024, 143 patients with mPTC, were submitted to RFA and patient's follow-up were dated 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after the procedure. During the follow-up we observed 3 (2%), complications, 1 case of permanent paralysis unilateral vocal cord, 1 Horner Syndromes and 1 case of transient paralysis, with total reversal. In all cases there was a reduction in the volume of the node after 6 months of the procedure. Conclusion: The reported incidence rate of postoperative hypothyroidism in patients underwent hemithyroidectomy is 10.9-48.8%, therefore, risks of complications with radioablation in our series were lower than those previously described during hemithyroidectomy. Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that preserves thyroid function with a lower incidence of complications compared to thyroidectomy or lobectomy, and and should be considered the selection procedure for low-risk thyroid microcarcinomas. Presentation: 6/3/2024

8751 Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation in 32 Patients with Toxic Adenomas with Resolution of Hyperthyroidism in All Cases

Abstract Disclosure: L.G. Amato: None. E.M. Volpi: None. L.D. Volpi: None. P.M. Carani: None. A. Rahal: None. Introduction: In the general population, thyroid nodules are found in 3-7% of individuals on physical examination and in 20-76% on ultrasound. Around 8-10% of benign nodules may present autonomous behavior, being called hot nodules, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism and being called toxic adenomas (TA). In TAs, autonomous hormone production can be caused by somatic activating mutations of genes regulating thyroid growth and hormone synthesis caused by somatic activating mutations of genes regulating thyroid growth and hormone synthesis. Classically, the proposed treatment for autonomous nodules was surgical resection or radioiodine ablation (RAI). In this context, the prevalence of hypothyroidism after the procedure varies from 2% to 3% following lobectomy, and lower after isthmusectomy in the unique circumstance in which the TA is confined to the thyroid isthmus. A study following 684 patients with TA treated with RAI reported a progressive increase in overt and sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Potential complications following near-total/total thyroidectomy include the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism (&amp;lt; 2.0%) or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLN) (&amp;lt; 2.0%). A small risk of permanent RLN injury exists with surgery for TA. Following RAI therapy, there have been reports of new-onset Graves Disease (up to 4% prevalence) as well as concern for thyroid malignancy and a very minimal increase in late non thyroid malignancy. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been a precise and effective alternative for the treatment of many benign thyroid nodules over the past ten years, including hot nodules. RFA could preserves normal thyroid function compared to surgery or RAI. Clinical case: We evaluated the effectiveness of a single session of RFA in 32 patients with TA, through hormonal status, achieving normalization of thyroid and volumetric reduction of the nodule. Among the 32 patients included in this study, aged between 25 and 88 years, of these, 31 were women and 1 was a man, all of whom underwent a single RFA procedure (“moving shot” technique associated with hydrodissection). We had a single case of a reversible complication: a patient who had transient vocal cord paralysis, with total reversal. There was a reduction in the volume of all nodules as well as all patients progressed to a state of euthyroidism within 60 days of follow-up. Conclusion: A single session of RFA was effective in treating autonomous nodules, restoring euthyroidism in all patients. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Anesthesia for Posterior Tracheopexy in Pediatric Patients.

Tracheobronchomalacia refers to an abnormally excessive collapse of the trachea and/or bronchi during exhalation. In the pediatric population, tracheobronchomalacia is increasingly recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality. Historically, options for medical management and surgical intervention were limited, and patient outcomes were poor. Over the last decade, select US pediatric institutions have devoted significant resources to the establishment of dedicated surgery and anesthesia teams and the development of novel techniques for the successful identification, assessment, and surgical correction of tracheobronchomalacia in a highly complex subset of the pediatric population. The close communication, collaboration, and evolution of anesthesia techniques to meet the unique requirements of new surgical procedures have greatly improved patient safety and optimized outcomes. More than 800 cases have been performed across 2 US pediatric institutions using these techniques. This article reviews the posterior tracheopexy procedure, a newer but increasingly common surgery designed to address tracheobronchomalacia, and provides an overview of related anesthesia considerations and unique challenges. In addition, this article describes novel anesthesia techniques developed specifically to facilitate optimal diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia and intraoperative management of posterior tracheopexy and similar airway surgeries. These include methods to safely enable 3-phase rigid dynamic bronchoscopy for accurate tracheobronchomalacia diagnosis, recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during cervical and thoracic surgical dissection, continuous intraoperative bronchoscopy to enable real-time images during airway reconstruction, and intraoperative assessment of airway repair adequacy to ensure successful correction of tracheobronchomalacia.

Application of modified spiral tracheoplasty in thyroid carcinoma with trachea invasion: a retrospective analysis of 15 cases

BackgroundTo describe the indications, techniques and preliminary experience of modified spiral tracheoplasty in the reconstruction of large tracheal defect after thyroidectomy.MethodsThe medical records of patients who underwent tracheal torsion to repair large tracheal defects after thyroid carcinoma surgery from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of tracheal defect, duration of tracheal reconstruction, postoperative complications and surgery results were analyzed.ResultsThe duration of tracheal reconstruction was 30–60 min. No postoperative bleeding, incision infection, tracheostomy stenosis occurred. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 5 patients. All patients were followed up for 24 to 60 months. The 2-year overall survival rate was 100%, the 2-year local control rate of trachea was 100%, and the 2-year tumor-free survival rate was 81.8%.ConclusionThe modified spiral tracheoplasty is a safe and effective method to repair the large defect of trachea after thyroid carcinoma invading the trachea.

A meta-analysis on the improvement of vocal function in unilateral vocal cord paralysis by reinnervation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve

Objective:To conduct a systematic description and meta-analysis of the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis（UVCP） with recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation through literature search, and to analyze the therapeutic effect of recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation on improving vocal function in UVCP. Methods:Electronic databases Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched using relevant keywords and screened in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality evaluations were conducted. Reported treatment outcomes were measured by relevant data extracted from literature, such as auditory perception assessment（GRBAS）, voice handicap index（VHI）, maximal phonation time（MPT）, jitter, shimmer, and noise harmonic ratio（NHR）, etc. Meta-analysis was performed by Revman5.3 and heterogeneity was analyzed using fixed effects or random effects models. Results:Eight articles were included in this study, all of which showed that the postoperative maximum phonation time of patients was significantly prolonged compared to preoperative, while the postoperative GRBAS score, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR decreased compared to preoperative with statistical significance. Conclusion:The innervation of the internal laryngeal muscle was obtained through the reinnervation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which effectively improved the patient's vocal function and had a good long-term therapeutic effect. Although there was no difference in the efficacy of surgical methods for reconstructing the recurrent laryngeal nerve, the anastomosis between ansa cervicalis nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve is more ideal. Further randomized controlled studies with longer follow-up periods and larger samples will increase the credibility of their effectiveness.

Non-recurrent Laryngeal Nerve - A Rare Anatomical Anomaly that Increases the Risk of Nerve Injury during Thyroidectomy.

Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN), a rare anatomical variation of recurrent laryngeal nerve, is a branch of the vagus nerve (Morais M, Capela-Costa J, Matos-Lima L, Costa-Maia J (2015) Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Associated Anatomical Variations: The Art of Prediction. Eur Thyroid J 4(4):234-238). On the right side, the prevalence of NRLN is 0.3-0.8%, while on the left side, it is extremely rare with a prevalence of 0.004%. A female in her twenties presented with thyroid swelling for 3 years with an ultrasound neck showing a TIRADS IV lesion in the left thyroid lobe. Contrast-enhanced tomography of the neck reported a lesion in the left thyroid lobe causing mass effect in the form of contralateral deviation of trachea and splaying of bilateral common carotid arteries from its common origin - probability of thyroid neoplasm along with aberrant right subclavian artery with a retroesophageal course was noted. Intraoperatively, the right laryngeal nerve was identified near its entry point in right cricothyroid joint and was traced laterally and was found to be nonrecurrent lying superior to inferior thyroid artery. Total thyroidectomy was done preserving the left recurrent laryngeal nerve and right non recurrent laryngeal nerve. NRLN should be suspected in cases with vascular anomalies based on preoperative imaging. Meticulous dissection during thyroid surgery for identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve or NRLN is still considered to be the precise approach to avoid nerve injury.

Delayed-onset vocal cord palsy after thyroidectomy occurring despite normal initial post-operative endoscopy.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a known complication of thyroidectomy. Most cases manifest immediately and are promptly recognized. Rarely, some patients experience delayed-onset vocal cord palsy. This can occur despite normal findings on intra-operative nerve monitoring and initial post-operative endoscopy. This can cause considerable distress for patients, and its incidence and prognosis should be recognized. We report seven patients experiencing delayed-onset RLN palsy (RLNP) after thyroidectomy. All had normal findings on pre-operative flexible nasoendoscopy (FNE), intra-operative nerve monitoring at conclusion of surgery, and initial post-operative FNE. All diagnoses of RLNP were confirmed on endoscopy. Serial FNE examinations were performed to evaluate recovery. Of seven patients (43% male, median age 65 years), the median timing of delayed-onset RLNP was 12 (range 9-35) days. RLNP was diagnosed on the unilateral side of surgery in six out of seven patients (86%). All received conservative management, including referral to voice therapy. All seven patients recovered vocal cord function after a median duration of 24 weeks (range 8-52 weeks), and six within ~6 months (28 weeks). The incidence of this complication was 0.1% (among 6607 thyroidectomies). We report the first Australian series of delayed-onset vocal cord palsy after thyroidectomy. We explore its prognosis, discussing different pathophysiological mechanisms and the timeframe for recovery compared to most other RLN injuries. This may assist recognition of a rare complication, reassure patients, and facilitate early intervention to improve a patient's quality of life.

Characteristics of lymph node metastasis and short-term outcome of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy: a prospective cross-sectional study (with video)

Introduction: Surgery for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) presents many potential challenges owing to malignant lymph node metastasis, complex procedures and severe postoperative complications. The appropriate lymphadenectomy for ESCC remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of lymph node metastasis and postoperative complications in patients with ESCC undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy and extended two-field lymph node dissection. Patients and methods: This prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to May 2024. All patients with ESCC who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy and extended two-field lymph node dissection were selected for this study. Postoperative lymph nodes were divided into upper thoracic, middle thoracic, lower thoracic and abdominal lymph node groups. Results: Seventy-four patients with ESCC, including 49 patients who underwent upfront surgery and 25 patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy, were selected. The rate of lymph node metastasis in all patients was 39.2%, with 13.6% of patients having upper thoracic metastasis. The factors affecting the rate of lymph node metastasis included preoperative chemoradiotherapy, tumor stage, poor differentiation, lymphovascular/perineural invasion, and tumor size greater than 2 cm, all of which were significantly different (P&lt;0.05). Common postoperative complications included pneumonia (25.7%), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (10.8%) and anastomotic leak (4.1%). There were no cases required conversion to open surgery, nor any deaths within 90 days postoperatively. Conclusion: Lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma has a high incidence, occurs in the early stages, and is widely distributed in all regions of the mediastinum and abdomen. Minimally invasive esophagectomy and extended two-field lymph node dissection are feasible and safe, with low complication rates.

Comparison of three-dimensional vs. two-dimensional assisted thoracoscopy for recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes dissection in esophagectomy: a retrospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the clinical value of 3D video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in dissecting recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 205 patients, including 120 males, who underwent esophagectomy from May 2018 to May 2020 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Affiliated Huai’an No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Perioperative parameters, including intraoperative blood loss, operation time, the number of dissected recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes, the incidence and degree of postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, the volume of postoperative thoracic drainage, and postoperative complications, were compared between the 3D and 2D groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the preoperative baseline data between these two groups (P > 0.05). The number of dissected recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes in the 3D group was significantly higher than in the 2D group (P < 0.05). The operation times were significantly shorter in the 3D group than in the 2D group (P < 0.05). The volume of thoracic drainage in the first 2 days was significantly less in the 3D group than in the 2D group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCompared to the 2D system, the application of 3D video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in minimally invasive esophagectomy can increase the number of dissected recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes and ensure safety. Additionally, it can reduce the duration of the operation, decrease early postoperative thoracic drainage volume, and promote patient recovery.

ASO Visual Abstract: Usefulness of an Artificial Intelligence Model in Recognizing Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves During Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy.

ASO Visual Abstract: Usefulness of an Artificial Intelligence Model in Recognizing Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves During Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy.

Paediatric recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead: a case series

Paediatric recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead: a case series

Peroral endoscopic myotomy as a treatment for Killian-Jamieson diverticulum (KJ-POEM).

Background and study aims Killian-Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) is a rare type of esophageal diverticulum that occurs in a specific area called the Killian-Jamieson space. Although surgery has been the conventional treatment for symptomatic KJD, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, particularly Killian-Jamieson per-oral endoscopic myotomy (KJ-POEM), have emerged as an alternative. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of KJ-POEM in treating KJD. Patients and methods This was an international, multicenter, retrospective study that included patients who underwent KJ-POEM for symptomatic KJD from October 16, 2018 to April 12,2023. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms (i.e., post-procedure Kothari-Haber Score ≤ 2). Secondary outcomes were technical success (defined as successful completion of all procedural steps), rate and severity of adverse events (AEs), total procedure duration, and symptom recurrence during follow-up. Results A total of 13 patients (mean age 65.23 years, 6 female) with KJD and a mean pre-procedure Kothari-Haber Score of 6 (standard deviation [SD] 2.16) underwent KJ-POEM across 10 participating centers. Clinical success and technical success were achieved in all cases (100%) with a mean post-procedure Kothari-Haber Score of 0.91 (SD 0.99). There were no AEs and no cases of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.09 days (SD 0.74). Mean follow-up time was 9.41 months (SD 10.07) post-procedure. There was no post-procedure symptom recurrence any patient. Conclusions KJ-POEM is a safe and effective alternative treatment for symptomatic KJD with excellent short/mid-term outcomes.

Recurrence and postoperative quality of life after surgical resection of unilateral cT1-T3N1bM0 papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Determining the optimal extent of surgery and improving postoperative quality of life for patients with papillary thyroid cancer has been an important challenge. Here, we evaluated postoperative quality of life after cT1-T3N1bM0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) to explore the optimal scope of surgical resection. In this study, we investigated surgical outcomes in patients diagnosed with unilateral cT1-T3N1bM0 PTC, who were treated at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2008 to December 2018. To achieve this, we divided the patients into two distinct groups based on the extent of surgery they received: the non-total thyroidectomy group (group A) and the total thyroidectomy group (group B). To comprehensively evaluate the patients' well-being, we assessed their psychological status, disease recurrence rate, postoperative complications, and quality of life. A total of 362 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer were included in this study, with group A (n=88) and group B (n=274) classified based on the extent of surgery received. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of clinical and pathological characteristics, including age (χ2=10.962, P=0.001), sex (χ2=5.906, P=0.02), multifocal (χ2=5.515, P=0.02), contralateral glandular nodule (χ2=34.616, P<0.001), clinical Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stage (χ2=11.340, P=0.001), and complication rate (χ2=4.265, P=0.04). Notably, group B exhibited higher rates of postoperative complications, including temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (χ2=4.630, P=0.03), and temporary hypocalcemia (χ2=3.954, P=0.047) compared to group A. However, after adjustment for propensity score matching (PSM), the recurrence rate was independent of the surgical extent in both groups. In contrast, tumour size (>1 cm) (χ2=4.497, P=0.03), extrathyroidal invasion (χ2=5.133, P=0.02) and pathological T stage (χ2=7.663, P=0.02) increased the risk of recurrence. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores between two groups (χ2=1.266, P=0.53). Nevertheless, the postoperative quality of life, as well as the incidence of hoarseness (t=11.77, P<0.001), symptoms of calcium deficiency (t=8.13, P<0.001), and willingness to reduce medication (t=3.60, P<0.001) were significantly lower in group A than in group B. In patients with PTC diagnosed as unilateral cT1-T3N1bM0 and a contralateral glandular nodule ≤2 cm, the preservation of the contralateral gland does not appear to have a significant impact on the rate of tumour recurrence in patients with tumour size (<1 cm), no extrathyroidal invasion, and pathological T stage (< T3). Instead, preserving gland potentially improves the prognosis, quality of life, and complication rates in these patients.