Safety Of Thyroid Surgery Research Articles

HARMONIC SCALPEL COMPARED TO BIPOLAR COAGULATION FOR THYROIDECTOMY

Introduction. The basic principles of high-efficient and safe thyroid surgery were established by 1920: identification and ligation of vessels, identification and preservation of laryngeal nerves, and parathyroid glands. Bleeding remains one of the major intraoperative complications of thyroid surgery.
 The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of the Harmonic when compared with bipolar coagulation for open thyroidectomy.
 Materials and methods: We enrolled 85 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for multinodular disease from 2019 till 2022 years. Patients were randomly assigned to either the group 1 (43 patients in which the operation was performed entirely using the Harmonic scalpel (HS) and no other haemostatic tool) or the group 2 (42 patients in which the operation was performed using classic technique of resorbable ligature, bipolar coagulation). The inclusion criteria were scheduled total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter.
 Results. There were no significant differences between two groups regarding age, gender, ASA distribution, so two groups are comparable. The mean operating time in the group 1 was 62.84±0.66 (M±m) minutes, and that in the group 2 was 75.19±0.42 (M±m) minutes for thyroidectomy, and there was 19.65% (i.e. 12.35 minutes) statistically significant reduction in the operating time using the Harmonic scalpel device (p<0.05). The 48 hours mean total amount of drainage was 69.05±0.88 (M±m) ml for group 1 and 81.40±0.64 (M±m) ml for group 2, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The rate of postoperative complications was comparable among the two groups (pχ2>0,05).
 Conclusions. The use of Harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery is safe and effective and is associated with a significant reduction in operative time without increasing complications rate, may also permit a better view of structures to preserve nerves, vessels of parathyroid glands and parathyroid glands when operating. Other benefits include significantly lower blood loss, efficient hemostasis and sectioning in a single instrument.

Safe thyroid surgery: comparison effectiveness of ICG angiography and intrathyroidal brilliant green injection for the prevention of postoperative hypoparathyroidism

BACKGROUND: More than 30,000 surgical interventions on the thyroid gland are performed annually in the Russian Federation. Surgeons are developing methods for the prevention of various postoperative complications, and therefore operations on this organ are considered relatively safe. Currently, there is no unequivocal effective method to prevent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. This complication is often recorded and can threaten the life and health of the patient, which is contrary to the concept of safe surgery.AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative ICG angiography and intrathyroidal injection of brilliant green for the prevention of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 143 thyroidectomies were performed. The patients were divided into 3 groups: intraoperative angiography was used in 24 cases, brilliant green was injected to identify the parathyroid glands in 58 cases, visual assessment of the preservation of the parathyroid glands was used in 61 case. Calcium levels were measured in all patients included in the study before and after surgery.RESULTS: Serum calcium levels in the pre- and postoperative period: 2.37±0.14 and 2.27±0.17 in group 1, and 2.38±0.16 and 2.21±0.16 in group 2, 2.39±0.17 and 2.18±0.19 in group 3. Hypocalcemia in the postoperative period was significantly higher in the group with a visual assessment of the parathyroid glands relative to the first two groups. Differences between calcium levels in the postoperative period in groups 2 and 3 were significant with a probability of more than 99% (p<0.01). Significant differences (≥95%) in calcium levels in the postoperative period between groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05) were obtained. Serum PTH levels in the postoperative period: 6,2±0,4 in group 1, 5,6±0,57 in group 2, 3,5±0,32 in group 3. Differences between PTH levels in the postoperative period in groups 1 and 3 were significant with a probability of more than 99% (p<0.01). Significant differences (≥95%) in PTH levels in the postoperative period between groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05) were obtained.CONCLUSION: ICG angiography and brilliant green intrathyroidal injection are safe methods for identifying and preserving the parathyroid glands. The high level of hypocalcemia in group 3 indicates the need to search for new techniques in endocrine surgery in order to improve the safety of patients undergoing surgical treatment of thyroid pathology.

PSAT383 Tension-free Thyroidectomy in the Treatment of Thyroid Cancer and Follicular Neoplasia: Experience of the First 100 Cases

Abstract Background and aims. The safety of thyroid surgery in terms of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypoparathyroidism was increasing in the last decade. In this study, we present a new method of tension-free thyroidectomy (TFT), which could be used to further decrease the complication rate after thyroidectomy. Patients and Methods The procedure is based on the medial approach to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands after the division of isthmus and successive total dissection of Barry ligament. One hundred consecutive patients (128 nerves at risk) underwent "tension-free thyroidectomy" (TFT) from August to November 2021 performed by one surgeon. There were 80 females and 20 male patients (ratio 4: 1) with a mean age of ninety-two 46,4 (range from 17 to 75). Lobectomy was carried out in 74 (74%) patients, total thyroidectomy in 26 (26%). In 42 cases patients additionally underwent central or/and lateral neck dissection. Indications for surgery were papillary carcinoma (N=52), medullary cancer (N=2), follicular neoplasia - Bethesda IV group after fine-needle biopsy (N=46). Mean thyroid nodule size was 25,3 mm (ranged 7 - 120 mm). Intraoperative transient neuromonitoring was used in all the cases (5 mA), in 20 cases permanent neuromonitoring was also used. Translaryngeal untrasound or direct laryngoscopy were routinely used prior and after surgery to evaluate vocal cords mobility. Calcium and parathormone level were measured in patients after thyroidectomy on the first, 14th and 30th postoperative days. Results The mean operating time of lobectomy was 80±39 (range: 25-120), for total thyroidectomy 80 ±36 (range: 55-130). There was no conversion to the conventional lateral-to-medial approach. No fluctuation of electric activity of laryngeal nerves during surgery was revealed. Intraoperative loss of signal (LOS) due to thermal effect of electrocautery and subsequent transient unilateral laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 3 cases (2,3% from the total number of nerves at risk). In all these patients normal vocal fold function was confirmed on the 30th day after surgery. No permanent nerve palsy cases revealed. Three patients (out of 26 in the total thyroidectomy group – 11,5%) exhibited a decrease of parathyroid hormone level on the postoperative day 1 which was resolved in two weeks under the substitution therapy with calcium and alfacalcidol. No cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred. Conclusion TFT (tension-free thyroidectomy) can be considered a safe and feasible operation in patients with thyroid cancer and follicular neoplasia. Larger and comparative (randomized) studies with conventional dissection technique should be performed to investigate the hypothesis that this approach can provide a lower complication rate. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The efficacy and safety of tension-free thyroidectomy in the clinical work of the Endocrine Surgery Department Pavlov State Medical University, pilot study

BACKGROUND: Despite the intensive development of safe thyroid surgery technologies, it has not yet been possible to achieve a significant reduction in the level of specific complications. One of the possible reasons is the method of the conventional surgical operation especially possible traction during thyroid tissue rotation on the way to n.reccurence. In 2022, group of authors led by I.V. Sleptsov proposed a new technique for Tention-Free Thyroidectomy (TFT), which demonstrated a significant reduction in the level of specific complications.AIM: To conduct a pilot study to assess the reproducibility, efficacy and safety of TFT in the work of the endocrine surgery department of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the Department of Endocrine Surgery in the period from January to April 2022. Patients with surgical thyroid disease underwent a new proposed TFT intervention. The method is fully consistent with the author’s description in patent No. 2772015, and the surgeons performing the new surgical technique underwent an internship with the authors of TFT before the initiation of the study. The study is prospective, non-randomized, uncontrolled. Persistent laryngeal dysfunction and persistent hypoparathyroidism were considered the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were transient vocal cord paresis, hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.RESULTS: The study included 20 people. The indications for surgery were endocrinological and oncological. The number of performed hemithyroidectomies were 15, thyroidectomy (TE) — 5 (one with central lymph node dissection), the volume of the thyroid gland varied from 4 cm3 to 280 cm3 . None of the patients reached the primary endpoint. There were no permanent dysfunction of the larynx in our study. Only in one patient in the postoperative period, a violation of the mobility of the vocal fold was revealed, however, during follow up on the 30th day of the postoperative period the mobility of the vocal fold was restored (confirmed by direct laryngoscopy). Hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia were not detected. However, it is necessary to mention the number of TE was too small.CONCLUSION: Thus, the new proposed TFT method is fully reproducible in the work of a specialized department of endocrine surgery. The method has demonstrated high rates of efficiency and safety in real clinical practice. However, further studies with a higher evidence base are required.

Basal calcitonin as guide for an early and safe thyroid surgery in RET gene carriers

Basal calcitonin as guide for an early and safe thyroid surgery in RET gene carriers

Tension-free thyroidectomy (TFT): initial report.

The safety of thyroid surgery in terms of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypoparathyroidism has increased over the last decade. In this study, we present a new method of tension-free thyroidectomy (TFT), which could be used to further decrease the complication rate after a thyroidectomy. The procedure is based on the medial approach to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands after the division of the isthmus and successive complete dissection of Berry's ligament. In total, 92 patients (127 nerves at risk) underwent "tension-free thyroidectomy" (TFT) between August and November 2021. All the procedures were performed by a single surgeon at SaintPetersburg State University Hospital. There were 74 females and 18 male patients (ratio 4.1:1) with a mean age of 46.9 (range from 17 to 74). A lobectomy was carried out in 57 (62%) patients and a total thyroidectomy in 35 (38%). In 27 cases, patients additionally underwent central and/or lateral neck dissection. Indications for surgery were papillary carcinoma (N = 34), medullary cancer (N = 2), follicular neoplasia (N = 43), Grave's disease (N = 9), multinodular toxic goiter (N = 3), and multinodular nontoxic goiter (N = 1). Mean thyroid volume was 24.6ml (ranged 12-70ml).Intraoperative neuromonitoring was used in all the cases (5mA). Translaryngeal ultrasound (TLUS) or direct laryngoscopy were routinely used prior and after surgery to evaluate vocal cords mobility. Calcium and parathormone levels were measured in patients after thyroidectomy on the first, 14th and 30th postoperative days. No recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was observed. One patient exhibited hypoparathyroidism which was resolved in 2weeks using substitution therapy with calcium and alfacalcidol. The mean operating time for lobectomy was 54 ± 14min (range: 30-95min) and for total thyroidectomy 99 ± 28min (range: 55-158min). There was no conversion to the conventional lateral-to-medial approach. TFT can be considered a safe and feasible operation. Comparative (randomized studies) with conventional dissection technique should be performed to investigate the hypothesis that this approach can provide a lower complication rate.

Anatomy and motor function of extra-laryngeal branching patterns of the recurrent laryngeal nerve; an electrophysiological study of 1001 nerves at risk

Introduction Safe thyroid surgery depends on a deep knowledge of human neck anatomy, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Anatomic variations such as extra-laryngeal terminal branching (ETB) are common. Patients and methods We studied the ETB pattern of 1001 RLNs at risk in 596 patients. We identified and exposed the location of division points on the cervical part of bifid RLN. The function of nerve branches was assessed through intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM). Results Bifid RLNs was identified in 39.6% of patients. The nerve-based prevalence of ETB was 28.5%. The prevalence of ETB for the right and left RLN was 21.8% and 35.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). The location of the division point was found in the middle, distal, and proximal segments in 48.8%, 33.3%, and 18% of bifid RLNs, respectively. Electrophysiological monitoring revealed motor functions in all anterior and in 7% of posterior branches. The rate of injury was 0.4%, and 1.1% in single trunk and bifid nerves, respectively (p = 0.360), and 3.9% in nerves with proximal branching (p = 0.084). Conclusions The ETB prevalence is high and showing division points in different cervical segments of the RLN. All anterior branches and some posterior branches contain motor fibers. Knowledge and awareness of these anatomic and functional variations are mandatory for every thyroid surgeon to avoid misidentification and misinterpretation of human RLN anatomy.

Systematic Review of Comparison of use of Ultrasonic Scalpel Versus Conventional Haemostatic Techniques in Performing Thyroid Surgery.

Haemostasis during any surgical procedure is fundamental for attaining a positive patient outcome. Safe thyroid surgery requires meticulous attention for careful control of bleeding and safe guarding important structures like recurrent laryngeal nerve. Many methods such as ligation and suturing, electro ligation sealing, coagulation, and ultrasonic coagulation have been put to use for achieving haemostasis. The objective of this systemic review was to compare and review the surgical outcomes between harmonic (ultrasonic) scalpel and conventional ligature techniques in performing thyroid surgery. The systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and checklist with a total of 11 studies selected for qualitative analysis. The statistical software Review Manager 5.4.1 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for performing the analysis on the two groups. It was concluded that the use of harmonic scalpel for thyroid surgery is useful for reducing operative time, postoperative pain, drainage volume and transient hypocalcemia, hence can be a reliable and a safe tool compared to conventional techniques often used for surgery.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound analysis of the status of the vocal cords of post-thyroidectomy patients with intraoperative neuromonitoring in a tertiary referral center

Objectives: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy constitutes one of the dreaded complications of thyroid surgery. Sequelae of RLN injury may affect quality of life and can sometimes be life threatening. Pre-, intra-, and post- operative monitoring of the RLN is desirable for safe thyroid surgery. Surgeon-performed transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TLUS) may become a substitute for laryngoscopy in the evaluation of vocal cords after thyroidectomy and may be used for prognostic correlation of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM). In this study, a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent thyroidectomy with monitoring of the RLN by intermittent IONM (I-IONM) was subjected to post-operative ultrasound assessment of vocal cords for the evaluation of RLN integrity. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study of a retrospective cohort in a tertiary care endocrine surgery unit. Fifty-six patients who underwent thyroidectomy with RLN monitoring from March 2017 to March 2019 were analyzed. Patients were analyzed during follow-up either when they arrived at the endocrine surgery outpatient department or through a telephone call. All patients underwent pre-operative laryngoscopy, intraoperative monitoring with I-IONM and Nerve Integrity Monitor 3.0 monitor, and post-operative TLUS evaluation of vocal cords. Results: Of the 56 patients evaluated in this study, 112 vocal cords and 102 nerves at risk were analyzed. The incidence of vocal palsy was 7.84%. The sensitivity of ultrasonography for vocal cord analysis was 85%, specificity was 95.23%, positive predictive value was 85%, and negative predictive value was 95.23% in that series. The vocal cord visualization rate was 93.5%. Conclusion: Surgeon-performed ultrasound may be used to assess RLN integrity in post-thyroidectomy patients to enhance post-operative care.

A prospective study: Zuckerkandl tubercle an important anatomical landmark in identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery

Introduction: The Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) is an anatomic landmark that can be used for the identification of the RLN intra-operatively. A prospective study was carried out on patients who underwent thyroidectomies, from September 2016. All cases were admitted from Surgery and ENT Outpatient department. The cases were studied according to proforma. Written informed consent was taken Conclusion: Zuckerkandl's tubercle which is defined as posterior exterior of lateral lobes of the thyroid gland is a common anatomical structure found in the majority of cases. Excision of the tubercle requires fine and meticulous dissection with great case because of close relationship between ZT and RLN. Identification of ZT, an understanding of the relationship between the ZT and RLN and isolation of the nerve before dissection of ZT are essential for performing safe thyroid surgery.

Safety of Thyroid Surgery in the Elderly: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study

BackgroundThyroid surgery is becoming more common in the elderly as elderly population continues to grow. We aim to evaluate the relative risk of morbidity from thyroidectomy in patients greater than 75 y of age. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for patients who were undergoing thyroidectomy between 2001 and 2018 in a multihospital network. A matched control group was selected with use of a propensity score, which was based on gender, ethnicity, type of surgery, insurance status, and comorbidities. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to quantify comorbidities. Total complications included both thyroid-specific and systemic complications. ResultsWe identified 313 patients over the age of 75 y with a propensity score matched group of 313 patients. There was no difference between the percent female (73% versus 73%, P = 0.92), race composition (P = 0.91), insurance status (P = 0.99), percent undergoing total thyroidectomy (84% versus 84%, P = 0.91), and Charlson Index (2.6 versus 2.69, P = 0.70) of the two groups. Overall complications (4.8% versus 1.9%, P = 0.05) and thrombotic events (1.2 versus 0%, P = 0.04) were significantly higher but there was no statistically significant difference between postoperative emergency room visits (7% versus 6%, P = 0.61), readmissions (11.5% versus 8.6%, P = 0.18), cardiovascular (1.3 versus 0.6%, P = 0.61), pulmonary (3.2 versus 0.9%, P = 0.07), or neurologic complications (1.0 versus 0.3%, P = 0.34). No reoperations were noted in either group. Elder patients did have a longer length of stay (2.64 versus 1.29 d, P < 0.01). ConclusionsElderly patients did have a longer length of stay when compared to a matched younger population. Although there was a trend with higher complication rates in the elderly, those differences did not reach statistical significance.

Case report: An unusual variation in the course of recurrent laryngeal nerve in relation to the thyroid gland

A complete understanding of the anatomic variations of the thyroid gland is necessary for a safe thyroid surgery. Injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery remains a significant source of morbidity. We present an uncommon variation in the position of right recurrent laryngeal nerve with the Tubercle of Zuckerkandl in a 40-year-old female who underwent thyroidectomy for a benign multinodular goiter. Identification and meticulous dissection of the Tubercle of Zuckerkandl and recognition of its association with the recurrent laryngeal nerve are essential to maintain the integrity of the nerve and prevent complications during thyroid surgery.

Parathyroid transplantation in thyroid surgery.

Permanent hypoparathyroidism following thyroid surgery is rare. Its prevalence is reported to be below 1-2% if surgery is performed by experienced thyroid surgeons. Parathyroid identification and preservation in situ with good vascular supply is the mainstay of safe thyroid surgery. However, if the parathyroid glands are damaged, autotransplantation should be undertaken to preserve their function. Parathyroid transplantation can be considered in three distinct modes of application: (I) fresh parathyroid tissue autotransplantation during thyroidectomy in order to reduce the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism; (II) cryopreserved parathyroid tissue autotransplantation in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism; (III) parathyroid allotransplantation in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism when cryopreserved parathyroid tissue is not available for grafting. Nowadays, allotransplantation of cultured parathyroid cells without immunosuppression should be taken into consideration in selected patients as an alternative to calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation in management of permanent hypoparathyroidism. This paper is aimed to provide a review of current status of various parathyroid transplantation techniques in thyroid surgery.

Outcome of Thyroid Surgery without Drainage Tube- A Study of 60 Cases

Introduction: The use of a negative suction drainage tube in the neck in thyroid surgery is a common practice in order to avoid hematoma or seroma or other complication. It is associated with neck discomfort, post operative neck pain, delayed ambulation, longer hospital stay and ugly scar formation.&#x0D; Objective: To determine the advantages and safety of thyroid surgery without negative suction drainage tube.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out from September 2015 to May 2017 in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka Cantonment and Azmol and Life Aid General Hospital, Mirpur, Dhaka. A total of 60 patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy for thyroid disorders without drainage tube were included in this study. Patients with previous thyroid surgery, retrosternal goiter or malignant diseases of thyroid requiring neck dissection, undifferentiated thyroid cancer patients and those undergoing anticoagulant therapy were excluded from this study. Data were collected and recorded in a structured case report form. Data were processed and analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.&#x0D; Results: Hospital staying was shorter for 50 patients out of 60 and 83.34% patients were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day. The time of mobility of patient was shorter and 66.66% patients became ambulated from bed after 11-14 hours. Complication was less and only 11 patients developed different type of complications.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thyroid surgery can be done safely and perfectly without negative suction drainage tube in the neck with a shorter period of hospital stay, early ambulation, fewer complications and morbidities. However, the drain should be used in the presence of large dead space, particularly when there is a huge multinodular goiter or intrathoracic extension or when the patient is on anticoagulant or anti-platelet treatment.&#x0D; Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.13(1) 2017: 62-65

Surgical anatomy of thyroid and incidence of malignancy in solitary nodule of thyroid

Background: Thyroid diseases are the commonest endocrine disorders worldwide and India it about 42 million suffering from thyroid disease. Thyroid nodules are up to 8% of the adult population having palpable nodules. With the use of ultrasound, up to 10 times more nodules are likely to be detected. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is crucial in the investigation of a thyroid nodule since the frequency of malignancy is estimated to be 15-25%. These may be subject to surgical intervention than is required because histological examination is the only way in which malignancy can be excluded. Early diagnosis and treatment remains the cornerstone of management. A thorough understanding of thyroid anatomy is central to the performance of safe thyroid surgery and reduces the incidence of post-operative morbidity and mortality. Methods: Fifty nodular patients were studied prospectively in department of surgery, Rajarajeswari Medical College Bangalore for a period of 2 years with prior approval of Ethical Committee. Aim of the study was to know the incidence of malignancy in solitary nodule thyroid in our institute. Results: Out of 50 patients, 4 (8%) were males and 46 were females (96%) with female to male ratio of 11.5:1. Maximum age of presentation was 60 years and minimum age was 16 years with an average age incidence of 36.14 years. Histopathological examination proved to be papillary carcinoma in 6 cases, Hashimotos thyroiditis in 3 cases and 1 each showed follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma and total incidence of malignancy in this study is 14%. Conclusions: Solitary nodule thyroid commonest disease of thyroid with high prevalence in females. Malignancy is around 14% and can come as surprise on post-operative HPE even when no suspicion by FNAC, which is comparable with others study. The main indication for surgery in STN are cosmetic or pressure symptoms or suspicious of malignancy. Near total thyroidectomy or lobectomy are the known surgeries for STN. Thorough surgical anatomy is must to prevent post-operative complications.

Tubercle of Zuckerkandl as a Landmark for Identification of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Enabling Safe Thyroid Surgery- A Prospective Comparitive Study

Tubercle of Zuckerkandl as a Landmark for Identification of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Enabling Safe Thyroid Surgery- A Prospective Comparitive Study

Tubercle of Zuckerkandl

ABSTRACT Endocrine Surgeon must have intimate knowledge about all anatomic variations of thyroid gland for performing safe thyroid surgery. Tubercle of Zuckerkandl is a posterior extrusion of the lateral thyroid lobes and it is a pointer to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and inferior parathyroid glands. We have discussed pertinent issues regarding tubercle of Zuckerkandl in this mini review. How to cite this article Mayilvaganan S, Bansal N, Tripathi N, Reddy A, Agarwal A. Tubercle of Zuckerkandl. World J Endoc Surg 2015;7(2):33-35.

Should we routinely expose recurrent laryngeal nerve(s) during thyroid surgery?

To compare the frequency of recurrent laryngeal nerve(s) (RLNs) palsy after various thyroid procedures with and without identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve during the operation. Randomized controlled trial. Department of Surgery, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from August 2008 to April 2010. Patients undergoing indirect laryngoscopy with normal vocal cords and those with carcinoma and re-do surgery having normal vocal cord were included in the study. Patients with hoarseness of voice, abnormal vocal cord movements and with solitary nodule in the isthmus were excluded. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each using random number tables. RLN was identified by exposing the inferior thyroid artery and traced along its entire course in group-A. Whereas, in group-B, nerves were not identified during the operations. Immediate postoperative direct laryngoscopy was performed by a surgeon with the help of an anaesthesiologist for the assessment of vocal cords. Patients with persistent hoarseness of voice were followed-up with indirect laryngoscopy at 3 and 6 months. Temporary unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies occurred in 2 (4%) patients in group-A where the voice and cord movements returned to normal in 6 months. In group-B, it occurred in 8 (16%) patients, 2 bilateral (4%) injuries requiring tracheostomy and 6 unilateral injuries (12%). Among the 2 bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, the tracheostomy was removed in one case after 6 months with persistent hoarseness of voice but no respiratory difficulty during routine activities. Tracheostomy was permanent in the other case. Among the 6 cases of unilateral nerve injuries, the voice improved considerably in 4 cases within 6 months but in 2 cases hoarseness persisted even after 6 months. Frequency of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies was significantly lower in group-A as compared to group-B (p = 0.046). For safe thyroid surgery, recurrent laryngeal nerve(s) should be routinely exposed in its entire course.

A Closer Look at Laryngeal Nerves during Thyroid Surgery: A Descriptive Study of 584 Nerves

Morbidity after thyroidectomy is related to injuries to the parathyroids, recurrent laryngeal (RLN) and external branch of superior laryngeal nerves (EBSLN). Mostly these are due to variations in the surgical anatomy. In this study we analyse the surgical anatomy of the laryngeal nerves in Indian patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods. Retrospective study (February 2008 to February 2010). Patients undergoing surgery for benign goitres, T1, T2 thyroid cancers without lymph node involvement were included. Data on EBSLN types, RLN course and its relation to the TZ & LOB were recorded. Results. 404 thyroid surgeries (180 total & 224 hemithyroidectomy) were performed. Data related to 584 EBSLN and RLN were included (324 right sided & 260 left sided). EBSLN patterns were Type 1 in 71.4%, Type IIA in 12.3%, and Type IIB in 7.36%. The nerve was not seen in 4.3% cases. RLN had one branch in 69.34%, two branches in 29.11% and three branches in 1.36%. 25% of the RLN was superficial to the inferior thyroid artery, 65% deep to it and 8.2% between the branches. TZ was Grade 1 in 65.2%, Grade II in 25.1% and Grade III in 9.5%. 31.16% of the RLN passes through the LOB. Conclusions. A thorough knowledge of the laryngeal nerves and anatomical variations is necessary for safe thyroid surgery.

Thyroid surgery for elderly patients: are they at increased operative risks?

An increasing elderly population, a rising incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), and a rising incidence of benign nodular disease with age are all contributing to a rise in thyroid operations for the elderly. Literature review on the outcome and safety of thyroid surgery in elderly patients has been filled with conflicting results and this subject remains controversial. Although most single-institution studies conducted by high-volume surgeons did not find significant differences of complication rates in elderly when compared with younger cohorts, they often lacked the power necessary to identify subtle differences and suffered from various selection and referral biases. Recent evidence from large population-based studies concluded that thyroid surgery in the elderly was associated with higher complication rates. One of the major contributing factors for the increased complication rate was because most elderly patients suffered from many preexisting comorbidities. Therefore, elderly patients who have abnormal thyroid findings should complete a thorough preoperative workup and better postoperative care after undergoing any thyroid surgery. Furthermore, these high-risk patients would benefit if they could be referred to high-volume, specialized surgical units early. In this systemic review, we aimed to evaluate different issues and controversies in thyroidectomy for elderly patients.