Capsular Dissection Technique Research Articles

Cernea's classification of the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve during Microscopic Thyroidectomy at Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara

Background: Preservation of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroidectomy is important because its injury may lead to frequent occurrence of vocal fatigue and the inability to perform phonation. The objective of the study was to identify and classify the nerve as per Cernea's classification using operating microscope during thyroidectomy Method: Between January 2017 to December 2019, we evaluated 50 patients for the position of external branch of superior laryngeal nerve, who underwent microscopic thyroid surgeries in the department of ENT- head and neck surgery at Gandaki Medical College. Results: In our study, we dissected a total 59 superior poles of thyroid from 50 patients and identified the nerve in all the cases. Of the total superior poles, 36 (61.01%) had type IIa EBSLN among which 24 was on the right side and 12 on the left followed by 19 (32.20%) patients with type IIb EBSLN among which 8 on right and 11 on left side. There were only 4 poles (6.77%) of type I with 3 on the right and 1 on the left side. Conclusion: The EBSLN can be very efficaciously identified during a microscope assisted thyroidectomy. Cernea type 2a and 2b EBSLNs are in position to be at high risk of injury during ligation of the superior vascular pedicle, which can be avoided by prompt identification through a microscope and a meticulous extra capsular dissection technique.

Capsular dissection technique for reducing recurrent laryngeal neuropraxia and temporary hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy: a single center experience

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Foreign bodies in aerodigestive tract is common, frequent, and sometime life threatening emergency for otorhinolaryngologists mainly in the paediatric group. The aims of the present study was to find the incidence of foreign bodies, in relation to demographic factors, type and sites of foreign bodies its clinical presentations and its management.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective study was conducted on 100 cases coming to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergency and outpatient department (OPD). After thorough history, clinical examination, routine blood and urine investigations and urine done. Radiological examination was done to visualize the radio-opaque foreign body, and if the foreign body was not radio-opaque then computed tomography (CT) scan was done. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Incidence of foreign was 67% in male than 33% in female. Mostly foreign bodies were in nose (49%), followed by oesophageal (31%), abdominal (14%), and bronchus (6%) respectively. 33% were totally asymptomatic, 25% with mucupurulent discharge from nose, dysphagia (16%), nasal obstruction (15%), and odynophagia (11%) respectively. Most of the foreign bodies were inorganic in nature, coin (42%), pearls (8.16%), and battery (6.45%). Among organic foreign bodies peanut was most common (33.33%), grains (10%). All foreign bodies were removed successfully with minimal morbidity and zero mortality.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Present study suggested incidence was very common among male children, in rural background, with common asymptomatic presentation. With high index of suspicion, and proper and timely intervention all 100 cases were managed successfully. But still educating the parents about keeping such things away from kids prevent these incident.</p>

Thyroidectomy: Technique, Tips, and Troubleshooting

Historically, thyroidectomy was associated with a high mortality rate, now understood to likely be secondary to postoperative hypocalcemia. In the modern age, perioperative morbidity and mortality rates are extremely low, although some complications, such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, can have significant consequences. Understanding the safe approach to total thyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy is key to minimizing operative morbidity. In particular, the capsular dissection technique facilitates identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. The postoperative care of the patient, including diagnosis and management of the more common complications such as hematoma or hypocalcemia, is crucial to optimize patient outcomes. Although novel thyroidectomy techniques have been developed to avoid or minimize the traditional neck incision, these approaches have not become widely used. This review contains 9 figures, 1 table, and 29 references. Key Words: capsular dissection, external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, intraoperative nerve monitoring, minimally invasive thyroidectomy, postoperative hematoma, postoperative hoarseness, postoperative hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve, remote access thyroidectomy

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

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

Clinical profile of patients with atrophic rhinitis: descriptive study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Atrophic rhinitis is a chronic nasal disease, characterized by a triad of symptoms, namely foul odour, atrophy of nasal mucosa and crusts formation. The understanding of the pathophysiology and the management of atrophic rhinitis has long been a vexing problem for the treating clinician<span lang="EN-IN">. Hence some authors have recommended adopting a capsular dissection technique in order to avoid these complications. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This present study was conducted in the Department of E.N.T, in which all the cases diagnosed as primary atrophic rhinitis and who were willing to undergo this surgery during the study period were taken for the study. Totally 20 patients were included for the study. Patients with secondary atrophic rhinitis were excluded<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In our study foul smelling nasal discharge and falling of crusts were the most commonest presenting symptoms which were present in all 20 patients (100%). The other presenting complaints were loss of sense of smell in 19 patients (95%), nasal obstruction in 16 patients (80%), bleeding from nose in 9 patients (45%), headache in 9 patients (45%) and maggots in 2 patients (10%)<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The incidence of atrophic rhinitis is more in low, less in middle and nil in high socio economic status group of patients and smelling nasal discharge and falling of crusts were the most commonest presenting symptoms<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p>

Outcomes of Capsular Dissection Technique with Use of Bipolar Electrocautery in Total Thyroidectomy: A Rural Tertiary Center Experience.

Total thyroidectomy is one of the most routinely performed head and neck surgical procedures with extremely low mortality. This procedure has been associated with two major complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypocalcaemia due to parathyroid insufficiency. The use of bipolar electrocautery has not been widely accepted in view of thermal damage to adjacent structures. To study the outcomes and complications of capsular dissection technique along with use of bipolar electrocautery in total thyroidectomy. The study was conducted from May 2013 to May 2016. The study was performed at Department of ENT Otorhinolayngology, DM WIMS Hospital, Wayanad, Kerala, India. This retrospective descriptive study analysed the outcome of 130 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy by capsular dissection technique along with use of bipolar electrocautery for cauterization of vascular pedicles, at our institution over a 3 year period. The incidence of permanent unilateral vocal cord palsy was 1.5% and permanent hypocalcaemia was 2.3%. There was no case of haemorrhage or haematoma in this study. Total thyroidectomy by capsular dissection technique along with the use of bipolar electrocautery has very low incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid injury, as per our data. Hence, we recommend this technique along with routine use of bipolar electrocautery for total thyroidectomy.

Capsular dissection technique for reducing recurrent laryngeal neuropraxia and temporary hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy: a single center experience

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism are two of the much discussed major complications of thyroid surgery. It has been classically described by the majority of textbooks to meticulously dissect out the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve to avoid its injury. However, the argument remains that this dissection might devascularise the nerve and the parathyroids, leading to recurrent laryngeal neuropraxia and temporary hypocalcemia. Hence some authors have recommended adopting a capsular dissection technique in order to avoid these complications.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods: </span></strong>This retrospective descriptive study analysed the outcome in a large series of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy by capsular dissection technique, over a 5 year period in a tertiary care center.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong>As per this study, the incidence of permanent nerve damage was zero whereas the incidence of temporary neuropraxia was found to be around 0.5%. The incidence of temporary and permanent hypocalcemia was found to be around 0.7% and 0.2% respectively. These complications were found more in obese patients and those with malignancies.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>Taking account of the very low incidence of nerve and parathyroid injury in this series, the authors suggest that meticulous capsular dissection is superior to dissection of the entire nerve in avoiding transcient nerve damage as well as temporary hypocalcemia. However it is stated that a deliberate search for the nerve is definitely indicated in cases where there is likely to be distorted anatomy, as in infiltrating malignancies and recurrent thyroidectomies.</p>

Vitamin D and Risk of Postoperative Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy

Transient hypocalcemia is a well-recognized occurrence after total thyroidectomy. It has been hypothesized that underlying vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of this complication, although to date there are few data in the literature supporting this hypothesis. To investigate whether perioperative vitamin D levels have any effect on postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of thyroidectomies from November 1, 2009, through September 30, 2012, at an academic teaching hospital. The study included 121 patients with available vitamin D levels undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy. Patients with preexisting hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism were excluded. All patients underwent total removal of all thyroid tissue by a capsular dissection technique. Routine calcium or vitamin D supplementation was not administered. Biochemical hypocalcemia was defined as any single postoperative corrected calcium level less than 8.0 mg/dL (to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 0.25) and symptomatic hypocalcemia as any symptoms of hypocalcemia. Outcome measures were incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia and association with vitamin D levels. A multivariate analysis was performed to study the effect of other variables, including performance of central neck dissection, incidental parathyroidectomy, and hyperthyroidism, on the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia. The incidence of transient biochemical hypocalcemia was 24% (n = 29/121). There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and risk of postoperative hypocalcemia. On univariate analysis, performance of concomitant central compartment neck dissection revealed an increased risk of hypocalcemia (P = .06), but this finding was not significant on multivariate analysis. Vitamin D levels do not appear to have a significant effect on the risk of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Incidental Parathyroidectomy during Thyroid Surgery Using Capsular Dissection Technique

To identify incidence, preoperative features, surgical factors, and postoperative events of incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) during thyroidectomy. A total of 1068 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon between January 2003 and April 2012 were enrolled in retrospective study with prospectively collected data. University hospital. To assess the impact of IP on study variables, patients were stratified into 2 study groups: IP group and non-IP group. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified significant correlates of IP. In all, 5.4% patients experienced IP. Significant difference (P < .001) was in incidence of temporary hypocalcemia between IP group (36.2%) and non-IP group (16.8%). Multivariable logistic regression model identified total thyroidectomy (odds ratio 3.937, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.462-10.601, P = .007) and Graves' disease (odds ratio 2.192, 95% CI 1.157-4.158, P = .016) as risk-adjusted factors associated with IP. Multivariate analysis of repeated measures identified statistically significant difference of repeated total calcium level (P < .001) and ionized calcium level (P = .020) between study groups. IP during thyroidectomy might be potential complication. Total thyroidectomy, Graves' disease, longer operation time, and identification 3 and more parathyroid glands seemed to be predictive factors for IP. IP is significantly associated with temporary hypocalcemia, but not with permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Thyroid Tubercle of Zuckerkandl Is More Consistently Present and Larger on the Right: A Prospective Series

Objective: The tubercle of Zuckerkandl (TZ) is a lateral projection from the thyroid lobe in the vicinity of the extralaryngeal termination of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), which is a very useful landmark for identification of the RLN during thyroidectomy. The purpose of the present study was to test our hypothesis that the TZ is more consistently found and is larger on the right than on the left side, and to investigate the frequency of anatomic variations of the TZ. Study Design: Prospective cohort study of 156 consecutive patients undergoing primary total thyroidectomy at an academic teaching hospital. Thyroidectomy was performed using a capsular dissection technique, with identification of the RLN only at its entry point into the larynx, using the TZ as a landmark. In vivo recording of size of right and left TZ was performed. The size of the right and left TZ was compared. Results: Identification of the TZ was 72.6% right side and 53.9% left side (p = 0.003). The mean size of the TZ, when present, was 11.2 mm on the right and 7.5 mm on the left (p = 0.0002). In matched-pair analysis, the right TZ was significantly larger than the left TZ (p < 1 × 10^-7). The TZ overlay the RLN in nearly all cases; however, there were 2 cases (0.8%) of a TZ extending medial to the RLN. In 12 cases (4.7%), the TZ appeared as a bilobed structure. Conclusion: The right TZ is consistently larger and more often identified than the left.

Is systematic identification of all four parathyroid glands necessary during total thyroidectomy?: A prospective study

Routine identification of all four parathyroid glands has been advocated as a means of reducing rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and inadvertent parathyroidectomy. The object of the present study was to investigate whether identification of more parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy performed by capsular dissection technique had any impact on incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia and unintentional parathyroid resection. Prospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy by capsular dissection technique over a 3-year period. Exclusion criteria included performance of concomitant central neck dissection, hyperparathyroidism, revision surgery, and invasive cancer. The number of parathyroid glands identified intraoperatively was recorded. No effort was made to find glands that were not obviously apparent during the course of dissection. Patients were not placed on routine calcium supplementation. The final study population consisted of 126 patients. The mean number of parathyroid glands identified was 2.3. The incidence of biochemical (any postoperative calcium <2 mmol/L) and clinical hypocalcemia was 22.2% and 10.3%, respectively. Patients in group A (0-2 parathyroids identified) had a significantly lower incidence of clinical hypocalcemia than patients in group B (3-4 parathyroids identified) (3.2% vs. 17.1%, P = .02). The differences in biochemical hypocalcemia were not significant (16.1% vs. 28.1%, P = .13). The incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy was 9.5%. There was no difference between the groups in incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy (9.7% vs. 9.4%, P = 1.0). Routine identification of all four parathyroid glands is not necessary in thyroidectomy performed using capsular dissection technique.

Impact of Tonsillectomy With or Without Adenoidectomy on the Acoustic Parameters of the Voice

To assess the effects of chronic tonsillitis with or without adenoiditis and the effects of tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy on the voice by means of acoustic analysis. Prospective case-control study. Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital. Patients 5 to 26 years old with chronic tonsillitis with or without adenoiditis. Tonsillectomies were performed under general anesthesia by surgeons using cold steel instruments via a standard capsular dissection technique, and adenoids were removed by curettage. Acoustic analysis of 6 parameters (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonics: noise ratio, long-term average spectrum, and nasalance) 4 weeks after surgery compared with 1 day before surgery. Postoperatively, shimmer altered in males, and hypernasality was eliminated in almost all cases. None of the other associations were significant statistically. Chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy cause alterations in some acoustic measurements, which make the voice dysharmonic and harsh. Tonsillectomy eliminates nasalance and lowers shimmer. Overall, it does not significantly alter dysphonia owing to disease.

THYROIDECTOMY IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR RETROSTERNAL GOITRE

Retrosternal goitre was defined as any thyroid enlargement identified below the thoracic inlet at operation, with the patient's neck held in extension. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of the patients, the goitres, the surgery and its morbidity (including tracheomalacia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypocalcaemia) and the incidence of malignancy in order to establish guidelines for managing patients with a retrosternal goitre. Data were collected prospectively on all thyroidectomies carried out by a single surgeon over 14 years. Patients underwent appropriate preoperative assessment and thyroidectomy was carried out using a standardized capsular dissection technique. There were 199 cases of retrosternal extension. Retrosternal extension was significantly more common on the left side than on the right side (ratio 3:2, P < 0.05). Most patients (83.4%) had significant symptoms that were relieved by surgery. Of the 199 thyroidectomies, none required a sternal split. The rate of malignancy was low (2.5%). Postoperative morbidity was 30%, the majority being asymptomatic temporary hypocalcaemia. There were no patients with permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies or permanent hypoparathyroidism. There was one case of tracheomalacia. There was no death. Retrosternal goitre is a frequently symptomatic condition, with a low but definite rate of malignancy. Surgery is usually possible through a cervical incision and with an acceptable risk of significant morbidity. Thyroidectomy should be recommended as the treatment of choice.

Basedow disease. From subtotal to total thyroidectomy

Surgical treatment of Graves' disease is based on modern pathophysiolic understanding and adequate surgical tactic and technique. This is an audit from one institution about 81 consecutive, prospectively documented patients, undergoing subtotal (remnant < 6 g) or total thyroidectomy, by the technique of capsular dissection. Patients were female in 89%, aged 11-79 (median 35) years. They constitute 9% of all thyroid operations, i.e. 47% of those performed for hyperthyroidism. Indications were persistence and recurrence of disease, orbitopathy, large goiter, nodule formation, refusal of radioiodine, preconception control. Preoperative treatment was thyrostatic (97%), iodine (87%), propranolol (50%). During the study period use of total thyroidectomy increased from 0% to 87% (p < 0.0001), and the remnant size decreased from median 3.5 g to 0 g (p < 0.0001). Goiter weight was 20-255 g, median 70.28 (23%) patients had concomitant colloid or adenomatous nodules, 5 (6%) had an incidental microcarcinoma, and 3 (4%) had a clinical papillary or follicular carcinoma, 1 patient had a parathyroid adenoma. Mortality was 0; surgical morbidity was early postoperative haemorrhage (n = 2 (2.5%)), permanent nerve palsy (1 patient with recurrence after previous resection (1.2%; 0.6% of nerves at risk)); no case of permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred. Functional results: In 6 patients (8%; 15% of those with subtotal resection) recurrent hyperthyroidism developed, 1 month to 8 years postoperatively, necessitating reablative treatment (surgical in 2 instances). 1 further patient developed preclinical hyperthyroidism 11 years postoperatively. Postoperative thyroxine substitution was found to be inadequate in 16/73 (20%) patients, as demonstrated by suppressed or elevated TSH values. Recurrence-free survival at 10 years was 100% in patients with a remnant measuring < 3 g, vs. 55.8% in those with a remnant size > or = 3-6 g (p = 0.002). Ophthalmopathy improved in 33/47 (70%) and deteriorated in 5 (10%) patients postoperatively, independently of the procedure (total or subtotal). Extensive or total thyroidectomy is necessary for late recurrence-free survival.--Variation of the spontaneous remnant function may occur and contribute to inadequate substitution.--(Near) total thyroidectomy has a low morbidity and is considered the treatment of choice, also with the theoretical advantage of complete autoantigene removal.--Surgical progress is based on capsular dissection with fine preparatory operative technique.

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Follow-up of 264 patients from one institution for up to 25 years.

The optimum treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is still debated. Results obtained using a selective treatment strategy for papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) thyroid carcinoma over 25 years in one institution are reported. 149 patients (mean age 46 yrs) had PTC in TNM stages I-IV in 58%, 26%, 15% and 1% respectively. Total thyroidectomy and remnant 131I ablation (43%) were carried out in TNM high-risk patients (stages III and IV) and in low-risk patients (I and II) at risk for a (curable) recurrence (stages pN1 and/or pT4). Hemi- or total thyroidectomy, without radioiodine, was used in 76% of pT1-3 N0 tumours (68%). Central and/or lateral lymphadenectomy was performed in 42% of patients (electively in the last 4 years). The mean follow-up was 7 years. 6 patients died of PTC and 8/143 patients treated for cure had a recurrence (6 nodal, 1 contralateral, 1 local). In low-risk patients--including 68% of patients aged > or = 45 yrs--the cause specific 25-year survival rate was 100%, vs. 62% (at 15 years) (p < 0.0001) in high-risk patients. In stage I and stage II the recurrence-free survival rates at 25 years were 95% and 100% respectively. Risk factors for recurrence were macroscopic (p < 0.0001) but not microscopic local invasion (pT4); stage pN1 (p = 0.0004). Only 1/107 patients initially judged node-negative had a nodal recurrence. FTC (n = 115; mean age 56 yrs; mean follow-up 8 yrs): Cause-related death (n = 8) or serious recurrence (n = 3) occurred in 10/53 grossly invasive FTC, in 1/45 minimally invasive FTC with vascular invasion, and in none of 17 FTC with capsular invasion (CI) alone, under radical treatment (131I) in 75%, 33%, and 12% respectively. 20-year disease-free survival in grossly and in minimally invasive FTC was 78% and 95.5% respectively (p = 0.0007). Patients aged < 45 yrs and patients with minimally invasive FTC with CI alone (all ages) had 100% 20-year disease-free survival vs. 80% (p = 0.013) in the remainder. There was no curable recurrence in FTC. The ratio of grossly invasive FTC decreased (p < 0.0001) during the study period. Risk-0 groups may be defined and selected for a reduced extent of treatment (PTC pT1-3 N0; FTC < 45 yrs, or CI alone). Older (> or = 45 yrs) patients with PTC in stages I and II have an excellent prognosis (risk 0). With selective (therapeutic) lymphadenectomy the risk of nodal recurrence may be very low in node negative tumours, without use of radioiodine. Meticulous lymphadenectomy is indicated in pN1 tumours with nodal recurrences despite 131I (5/36 patients). The technique of capsular dissection for extracapsular total uni- or bilateral thyroidectomy provides excellent oncological and surgical results. A decrease in the incidence of FTC parallels a decrease in endemic goitre in Switzerland.

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Follow-up of 264 patients from one institution for up to 25 years.

The optimum treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is still debated. Results obtained using a selective treatment strategy for papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) thyroid carcinoma over 25 years in one institution are reported. 149 patients (mean age 46 yrs) had PTC in TNM stages I-IV in 58%, 26%, 15% and 1% respectively. Total thyroidectomy and remnant 131I ablation (43%) were carried out in TNM high-risk patients (stages III and IV) and in low-risk patients (I and II) at risk for a (curable) recurrence (stages pN1 and/or pT4). Hemi- or total thyroidectomy, without radioiodine, was used in 76% of pT1-3 N0 tumours (68%). Central and/or lateral lymphadenectomy was performed in 42% of patients (electively in the last 4 years). The mean follow-up was 7 years. 6 patients died of PTC and 8/143 patients treated for cure had a recurrence (6 nodal, 1 contralateral, 1 local). In low-risk patients--including 68% of patients aged > or = 45 yrs--the cause specific 25-year survival rate was 100%, vs. 62% (at 15 years) (p < 0.0001) in high-risk patients. In stage I and stage II the recurrence-free survival rates at 25 years were 95% and 100% respectively. Risk factors for recurrence were macroscopic (p < 0.0001) but not microscopic local invasion (pT4); stage pN1 (p = 0.0004). Only 1/107 patients initially judged node-negative had a nodal recurrence. FTC (n = 115; mean age 56 yrs; mean follow-up 8 yrs): Cause-related death (n = 8) or serious recurrence (n = 3) occurred in 10/53 grossly invasive FTC, in 1/45 minimally invasive FTC with vascular invasion, and in none of 17 FTC with capsular invasion (CI) alone, under radical treatment (131I) in 75%, 33%, and 12% respectively. 20-year disease-free survival in grossly and in minimally invasive FTC was 78% and 95.5% respectively (p = 0.0007). Patients aged < 45 yrs and patients with minimally invasive FTC with CI alone (all ages) had 100% 20-year disease-free survival vs. 80% (p = 0.013) in the remainder. There was no curable recurrence in FTC. The ratio of grossly invasive FTC decreased (p < 0.0001) during the study period. Risk-0 groups may be defined and selected for a reduced extent of treatment (PTC pT1-3 N0; FTC < 45 yrs, or CI alone). Older (> or = 45 yrs) patients with PTC in stages I and II have an excellent prognosis (risk 0). With selective (therapeutic) lymphadenectomy the risk of nodal recurrence may be very low in node negative tumours, without use of radioiodine. Meticulous lymphadenectomy is indicated in pN1 tumours with nodal recurrences despite 131I (5/36 patients). The technique of capsular dissection for extracapsular total uni- or bilateral thyroidectomy provides excellent oncological and surgical results. A decrease in the incidence of FTC parallels a decrease in endemic goitre in Switzerland.

Total thyroidectomy: the technique of capsular dissection.

This paper describes the technique of total thyroidectomy using capsular dissection. Total thyroidectomy is a safe straightforward anatomical procedure in which meticulous dissection can provide protection to the parathyroid glands and to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This protection is achieved by using capsular dissection, hugging the gland and dividing the tertiary branches (i.e. the third order of division) of the vessels while dissecting the parathyroid glands with their vascular pedicles free from the thyroid surface, with minimal exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and disturbance of its blood supply. Total thyroidectomy removes all visible thyroid tissue although it is permissible to leave a very small remnant of tissue (less than a fraction of a gram) in the region of the ligament of Berry in order to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the blood supply to the parathyroid glands. This technique ensures that the incidence of complications, including permanent hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, is reduced to a minimum.

Secondary thyroidectomy: A twenty‐year experience

AbstractSecondary thyroidectomy is an operation generally considered to be associated with a significantly increased risk of damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. During a 20‐year period, to December, 1986, a total of 408 secondary thyroidectomies were performed. The majority (n=227) were for recurrent nodular goiter, followed by reoperations for thyroid cancer (n=151), and operations for secondary thyrotoxicosis (n=30). The incidence of operative recurrent laryngeal palsy was 1.5% over the 20‐year period, while the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism fell from 3.5% during the first 15 years to 1.6% over the last 5 years, with a similar fall in the incidence of transient hypocalcemia (8.4% down to 4.8%). The risk of complications can be minimized by careful attention to operative detail, employing the technique of capsular dissection with preservation of the vascular supply to the parathyroid glands while protecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve.