Prevention, evaluation, and management of complications following thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma

Comparison of indocyanine green angiography vs intraoperative parathyroid hormone in early prediction of risk of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: a prospective cohort study

Introduction

Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is the 'real-time intraoperative imaging' technique used to reduce the chances of hypoparathyroidism in post-thyroidectomy patients. In our study, the authors predicted the risk of early post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia by intraoperative evaluation of parathyroid gland perfusion by ICG angiography.

Materials and methods

In patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, ICG angiography was done using the SPY PHI imaging system (Stryker). Post-thyroid specimen removal, scoring of parathyroids was done in spy contrast mode. All 4 or <4 visualized parathyroids were scored for vascularity with the highest score of 8. Serum ionized calcium was done 6 h postsurgery and on the morning and evening of postoperative days 1 and 2. Calcium supplements were given to only those who developed clinical or severe biochemical hypocalcemia.

Results

Out of 60, postoperative hypocalcemia was noted in 41 patients. Total ICG score ≤5 was seen in 34 patients, out of which 28 developed postoperative hypocalcemia showing PPV 82.3% and diagnostic accuracy of 68.3% while iPTH (4.28 pmol/l) showed PPV 76.7 and diagnostic accuracy 70 %. In eight patients, none of the glands was scored as 2 (White) and all these patients developed hypocalcemia requiring calcium infusion.

Conclusion

The absence of visualization of at least 1 well-perfused (score 2) gland on ICG angiography is highly predictive of hypocalcemia and the majority of patients with total ICG score ≤5 developed hypocalcemia in the immediate postoperative period. ICG is a good predictor of the absence of hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy and is comparable to iPTH in the prediction of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Global scientific trends on thyroid disease in early 21st century: a bibliometric and visualized analysis

Background

Bibliometrics has been used to analyze the literature in the field of thyroid disease studies in the early 21st century, indicating the changes in current international study trends.

Methods

In this study, a bibliometric analysis of data retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database was conducted, and the publication trends and thematic evolution in the field of thyroid disease research from January 1, 2000, to November 16, 2022, were analyzed. A total of 69283 articles related to thyroid diseases were evaluated for their characteristics, including annual publication volume, countries, journals, institutions, authors, keywords, and references. VOSviewer was utilized to perform the analysis of co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence and descriptive.

Results

The annual publication volume of thyroid disease research literature showed a fluctuating upward trend from 2000 to 2021, exceeding 5,000 articles for the first time in 2021. The United States (16120 counts, 678255 cities) ranks first in terms of publication volume and citation. Thyroid (n=3201) and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology&Metabolism (n=140399) are the most prolific and cited journals, respectively. The organization with the highest publication volume and citation frequency is Harvard University (1011 counts, 59429 cities), Miyauchi Akira (n=422), Schlumberger, and Martin (n=24839) possess the highest publication volume and citation frequency, respectively. Co-occurrence analysis of 307 keywords with frequencies of more than 20 resulted in 6 clusters (1): Thyroid dysfunction and diseases (2); mechanism of occurrence and development of thyroid cancer (3); autoimmune thyroiditis (4); scope and postoperative management of thyroid surgery (5); fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules (6); radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer. Active monitoring, thermal ablation, Lenvatinib, and long noncoding RNA refer to the latest keywords. Discussing the six clusters helps scholars to determine the scope and direction of studies.

Conclusion

Over the past two decades, the literature related to thyroid diseases has increased year by year, with closer collaboration between countries, institutions, and authors. In this study, the global trends, research hotspots, emerging subjects, and basic knowledge of literature related to thyroid diseases were respectively elucidated, which will facilitate researchers in this field to seek better development.

Outpatient endocrine surgery practice patterns are highly variable among US endocrine surgery fellowship programs

BACKGROUND

Current studies and guidelines have reported that outpatient endocrine surgery is safe. However, none recommend specific postoperative protocols.

METHODS

An internet-based survey, developed using expert input, was distributed to current (2021-2022) endocrine surgery fellows in American Association of Endocrine Surgeons-accredited programs (n = 23). Programs with ≤2% same-day discharge rate were compared with those with ≥2% same-day discharge rate.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 91% (21/23), representing 20 United States institutions performing >15,000 cervical endocrine operations annually. The same-day discharge rate after total thyroidectomy was not normally distributed across institutions (P < .0001) but appeared bimodal, highlighting dogmatic differences in the pursuit of same-day discharge. Nine programs had ≤2% same-day discharge rate, whereas seven had ≥90% same-day discharge rate. Fourteen (70%) reported minimum observation periods before discharge, without consistency across procedures or institutions. Total thyroidectomy patients were observed longer. Fourteen (70%) reported no geographic restrictions for same-day discharge. In programs with >2% same-day discharge (n = 11), clinical and operative factors inconsistently influenced same-day discharge after thyroidectomy. Living alone precluded same-day discharge in 3 programs. Lateral neck dissection and chronic anticoagulation each greatly reduced same-day discharge in one program and precluded same-day discharge in another. Central neck dissection, Graves' disease, substernal goiter, continuous positive airway pressure use, difficult/bloody operation, and signal on nerve stimulation had no or minimal effect on same-day discharge. Postoperative medication recommendations varied among programs. Although anticoagulation/antiplatelet agents were similarly held preoperatively across programs, resumption varied. Narcotics were routinely prescribed in 35%.

CONCLUSION

Same-day discharge is not uniform across endocrine surgery training programs and is likely primarily driven by surgeon preference. Factors influencing same-day discharge vary significantly among programs.

Large, Slowly Growing, Benign Thyroid Nodules Frequently Coexist With Synchronous Thyroid Cancers

CONTEXT

Thyroid nodules' size should not be the sole criterion for thyroidectomy; however, many patients undergo surgery for large or slowly growing nodules.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated risk for clinically significant thyroid cancer in patients with large or slowly growing nodules.

METHODS

We reviewed data from 2 prospectively collected databases of patients undergoing thyroidectomies in tertiary referral centers in the USA and Greece over 14 consecutive years. We collected data on the preoperative surgical indication, FNA cytology, and surgical pathology. We included subjects operated solely for large or growing thyroid nodules, without any known or presumed thyroid cancer or high risk for malignancy, family history of thyroid cancer, or prior radiation exposure.

RESULTS

We reviewed 5523 consecutive cases (USA: 2711; Greece: 2812). After excluding 3059 subjects, we included 2464 subjects in the present analysis. Overall, 533 thyroid cancers were identified (21.3%): 372 (69.8%) microcarcinomas (<1 cm) and 161 (30.2%) macrocarcinomas (≥1 cm). The histology was consistent with papillary cancer (n = 503), follicular cancer (n = 12), Hürthle cell cancer (n = 9), medullary cancer (n = 5), and mixed histology cancers n = 4. Only 47 (1.9%) of our subjects had any form of thyroid cancer in the nodule that originally led to surgery. The cancers were multifocal in 165 subjects; had extrathyroidal extension in 61, capsular invasion in 80, lymph node involvement in 35, and bone metastasis in 2 subjects.

CONCLUSION

The risk of synchronous, clinically important thyroid cancers is small, but not null in patients with large or slow growing thyroid nodules. Therefore, more precise preoperative evaluation is needed to separate the patients who would clearly benefit from thyroid surgery from the vast majority of those who do not need to be operated.

ERAS Protocols for Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidenced-based multidisciplinary programs implemented in the perioperative setting to improve postoperative recovery and attenuate the surgical stress response. However, evidence on their effectiveness in thyroid and parathyroid surgery remains sparse. Therefore, our goal was to investigate the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of ERAS protocols for the perioperative management of thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

DATA SOURCE

A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, Embase, and gray literature was performed to identify studies of ERAS or clinical care protocols for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

REVIEW METHODS

Two reviewers screened studies using predetermined inclusion criteria. Our primary outcomes included hospital length of stay and hospital costs. Readmission and postoperative complication rates composed our secondary outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes for patients enrolled in the ERAS protocol versus standard of care.

RESULTS

A total of 450 articles were identified; 7 (1.6%) met inclusion criteria with a total of 3082 patients. Perioperative components in ERAS protocols varied across the studies. Nevertheless, patients enrolled in ERAS protocols had reduced hospital length of stay (mean difference, -0.64 days [95% CI, -0.92 to -0.37]) and hospital costs (in US dollars; mean difference, -307.70 [95% CI, -346.49 to -268.90]), without an increase in readmission (odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.29-1.94]) or complication rates (odds ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.82-1.57]).

CONCLUSION

There is growing literature supporting the role of ERAS protocols for the perioperative management of thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. These protocols significantly reduce hospital length of stay and costs without increasing complications or readmission rates.

Intraoperative Mapping of Parathyroid Glands Using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism is a common complication following thyroidectomy. There is a need for technology to aid surgeons in identifying the parathyroid glands. In contrast to near infrared technologies, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) is not affected by ambient light and may be valuable in identifying parathyroid tissue, but has never been evaluated in this capacity.

METHODS

We used FLIm to measure the UV induced (355 nm) time-resolved autofluorescence signatures (average lifetimes in 3 spectral emission channels) of thyroid, parathyroid, lymphoid and adipose tissue in 21 patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess the ability of FLIm to discriminate normocellular parathyroid from each of the other tissues. Various machine learning classifiers (random forests, neural network, support vector machine) were then evaluated to recognize parathyroid through a leave-one-out cross-validation.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in average lifetime were observed between parathyroid and each of the other tissue types in spectral channels 2 and 3 respectively. The largest change was observed between adipose tissue and parathyroid (P < 0.001), while less pronounced but still significant changes were observed when comparing parathyroid with lymphoid tissue (P < 0.05) and thyroid (P < 0.01). A random forest classifier trained on average lifetimes was found to detect parathyroid tissue with 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity at the acquisition run level.

CONCLUSION

We found that FLIm derived parameters can distinguish the parathyroid glands and other adjacent tissue types and has promise in scanning the surgical field to identify parathyroid tissue in real-time.

Risk Score of Neck Hematoma: How to Select Patients for Ambulatory Thyroid Surgery?

BACKGROUND

The risk of postoperative compressive hematoma is the major limitation for a wide development of ambulatory thyroidectomy (AT). The aim of this study was to establish a risk score of hematoma on the basis of preoperative criteria.

METHODS

All patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2002 and 2017 were reviewed in a high-volume endocrine surgery center. Multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with hematoma was performed in lobectomy and total thyroidectomy (TT). We assigned the risk factors identified by multivariate analysis weighted points proportional to the regression coefficient values. A simple sum of all accumulated points for each patient calculated the total score.

RESULTS

For lobectomy [31 hematoma among 3912 patients (0.8%)], the weighted points of Vit K antagonist (VKA) were 3 (OR 9.86), and 1 in male gender (OR 2.4). For TT [162 hematoma among 13,903 patients (1.2%)], the weighted points of VKA were 4 (OR 12.18), 1 in male gender (OR 1.89), and 1 for diabetes (OR 1.86). Other factors weighted 0 in both groups. A total score >1 was linked to a risk of hematoma > 1.3% for lobectomy or TT. AT should not be proposed to any patient under VKA, and in case of TT, to male patients with diabetes. Prospectively, patients had AT from May 2018 to February 2020, 529 patients underwent ambulatory TL (483) or TT (46) and only one patient experienced neck hematoma.

CONCLUSION

We established a simple and reproducible predictive score of early discharge for lobectomy and TT that could be useful for patients' management.

A registry for patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism in Russian adults

Hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism are rare endocrine disorders, characterized by low serum calcium due to inappropriate parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels or resistance to its action. There is little epidemiological information regarding chronic hypoparathyroidism in Russia. This study aims to build a registry database of Russian patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism who were referred for hospital treatment in order to conduct initial analysis of clinical presentations and hospital management. The Italian registry model was taken to be able to integrate our data in the future. Two hundred patients with hypoparathyroidism (n = 194) and pseudohypoparathyroidism (n = 6) were enrolled over 2 years (2017-2019). The most frequent cause of hypoparathyroidism was neck surgery (82.5%, mostly females), followed by idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (10%), syndromic forms of genetic hypoparathyroidism (4.5%) and forms of defective PTH action (3%). Calcium supplements and alfacalcidol were prescribed in most cases. However, a minority of patients (n = 6) needed to receive teriparatide as the only way to maintain calcium levels and to prevent symptoms of hypocalcemia. Consequently, substitution treatment with parathyroid hormone should be available in certain cases of hypoparathyroidism. This database will be useful to estimate the potential requirement for recombinant PTH in Russia and standards for clinical and therapeutic approaches.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Implications of Delayed Hypoparathyroidism on Postoperative Day two Following Total Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the incidence rates, risk factors, and clinical implications of delayed hypoparathyroidism on postoperative day 2 (POD-2) after total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

METHODS

This study included 410 patients with normal serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and calcium levels on postoperative day 1 (POD-1) who were classified into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of delayed hypoparathyroidism on POD-2.

RESULTS

Of the 410 patients, 98 experienced delayed hypoparathyroidism on POD-2 (23.9%). The significant risk factors for delayed hypoparathyroidism on POD-2 included female gender, age older than 45 years, central lymph node dissection, increased number of excised lymph nodes, and low POD-1 versus preoperative iPTH ratios. Additionally, delayed hypoparathyroidism on POD-2 was found to be a significant risk factor for hypocalcemia on POD-2 and permanent hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic calcium supplementation and long-term surveillance for permanent hypoparathyroidism should be considered in patients with risk factors for delayed hypoparathyroidism on POD-2.

ABBREVIATIONS

CI = confidence interval; iPTH = intact parathyroid hormone; OR = odds ratio; POD-1 = postoperative day 1; POD-2 = postoperative day 2; PTC = papillary thyroid carcinoma; ROC = receiver operating characteristic.

Early Discharge and Selective Calcium Supplementation after Thyroidectomy Based on Post-Operative Day 1 Parathormone and Calcium Level: A Prospective Study

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate a protocol using post thyroidectomy parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels on the day after surgery to facilitate early discharge of patients.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was done in Christian Medical College, India over 1 year with 125 consecutive patients who had serum PTH and calcium values measured in the morning following thyroidectomy/first postoperative day (D1). Patients with no symptoms and signs of hypocalcemia and with serum calcium ≥8 mg/dL and PTH ≥6 pg/ml according to the protocol were discharged without supplements on D1. Patients were followed up and tested for a week after surgery in the outpatient clinic to assess hypocalcemia and readmission rates.

RESULTS

Seventy five patients (60%) could be discharged early on D1without calcium supplementation; only one patient had mild hypocalcemia symptoms managed with oral calcium supplements during outpatient follow-up within 1 week and none who followed the protocol required readmission. Temporary biochemical hypocalcemia was encountered in 36 patients (28.8%) including symptomatic hypocalcemia in 13 patients (10.4%). Among the 36 patients with hypocalcemia, 26 patients (72.2%) had a PTH level <6 pg/ml. Three patients required intravenous calcium infusion to correct hypocalcemia. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value, and ROC of PTH 6 pg/ml in predicting hypocalcemia were 70.5%, 94.5% and 83.3%, 0.86, respectively. The low PTH could also guide early supplementation of calcium and all the severe hypocalcemia patients had PTH lower than the cut off of 6 pg/ml.

CONCLUSION

A PTH and calcium-based protocol can be effectively used for early discharge of thyroidectomy patients the day after surgery without calcium supplementation. The compliance of the patient for early discharge was good.

HypoparaNet: A Database of Chronic Hypoparathyroidism Based on Expert Medical-Surgical Centers in Italy

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease characterized by low serum calcium levels and absent or deficient parathyroid hormone level. Regarding the epidemiology of chronic hypoparathyroidism, there are limited data in Italy and worldwide. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to build a unique database of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism, derived from the databases of 16 referral centers for endocrinological diseases, affiliated with the Italian Society of Endocrinology, and four centers for endocrine surgery with expertise in hypoparathyroidism, to conduct an epidemiological analysis of chronic hypoparathyroidism in Italy. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. A total of 537 patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism were identified. The leading etiology was represented by postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (67.6%), followed by idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (14.6%), syndromic forms of genetic hypoparathyroidism (11%), forms of defective PTH action (5.2%), non-syndromic forms of genetic hypoparathyroidism (0.9%), and, finally, other forms of acquired hypoparathyroidism, due to infiltrative diseases, copper or iron overload, or ionizing radiation exposure (0.7%). This study represents one of the first large-scale epidemiological assessments of chronic hypoparathyroidism based on data collected at medical and/or surgical centers with expertise in hypoparathyroidism in Italy. Although the study presents some limitations, it introduces the possibility of a large-scale national survey, with the final aim of defining not only the prevalence of chronic hypoparathyroidism in Italy, but also standards for clinical and therapeutic approaches.

Randomized clinical trial of intraoperative parathyroid gland angiography with indocyanine green fluorescence predicting parathyroid function after thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism, the most common complication after thyroid surgery, leads to hypocalcaemia and significant medical problems. An RCT was undertaken to determine whether intraoperative parathyroid gland angiography with indocyanine green (ICG) could predict postoperative hypoparathyroidism, and obviate the need for systematic blood tests and oral calcium supplementation.

METHODS

Between September 2014 and February 2016, patients who had at least one well perfused parathyroid gland on ICG angiography were randomized to receive standard follow-up (measurement of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on postoperative day (POD) 1 and systematic supplementation with calcium and vitamin D; control group) or no supplementation and no blood test on POD 1 (intervention group). In all patients, calcium and PTH levels were measured 10-15 days after thyroidectomy. The primary endpoint was hypocalcaemia on POD 10-15.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients underwent ICG angiography during thyroid surgery, of whom 146 had at least one well perfused parathyroid gland on ICG angiography and were randomized. None of these patients presented with hypoparathyroidism, including those who did not receive calcium supplementation. The intervention group was statistically non-inferior to the control group (exact 95 per cent c.i. of the difference in proportion of patients with hypocalcaemia -0·053 to 0·053; P = 0·012). Eleven of the 50 excluded patients, in whom no well perfused parathyroid gland could be identified by angiography, presented with hypoparathyroidism on POD 1, and six on POD 10-15, which was significantly different from the findings in randomized patients (P = 0·007).

CONCLUSION

ICG angiography reliably predicts the vascularization of the parathyroid glands and obviates the need for postoperative measurement of calcium and PTH, and supplementation with calcium in patients with at least one well perfused parathyroid gland. Registration number: NCT02249780 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

A reappraisal of vascular anatomy of the parathyroid gland based on fluorescence techniques

Identification of the parathyroid glands (PGs) during thyroid surgery may prevent their inadvertent surgical removal and prevent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. However, identification of the PGs does not guarantee their function, and their vascular supply needs to be preserved as well. The recent introduction of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent angiography of the PGs during thyroid surgery allows for the appraisal of the vascular anatomy and evaluation of PG function. The use of this tool could lead to a significant reduction in the rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, as it allows surgeons to adapt their surgical technique for the preservation of the PGs. ICG fluorescent angiography is currently the only available real-time tool to assess the vascular blood supply of each individual PG intraoperatively and can thus assist surgeons in their decision-making. Herein, we review the relevant literature.

Early discharge after total thyroidectomy: a retrospective feasibility study

AIM

The continued hospitalization after total thyroidectomy is often due to the onset of hypocalcemic complications more than 24 hours after surgery. So it would be important to predict which patients will not develop the hypocalcemic complication to discharge them early. This was the aim of our study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our retrospective study was conducted on 327 consecutive thyroidectomized patients, operated on for benign and malignant diseases. We evaluated the values of preoperative serum calcium levels (Cal0) and of the first postoperative day (Cal1) and two new variables were calculated (dCal and dCaln). The same thing was made on a subgroup of 111 patients in whom also parathiroyd hormone (PTH) values were detected. Statistical analysis was performed with the goal of determining if we could establish a safe criterion for discharge at 24 hours after surgery and if there is a correlation between suitability for discharge and diagnosis.

RESULTS

As to discharge, the predictive power of the discriminant function applied was significant both on the total of patients and in the subgroup of 111 patients, but it was clinically unacceptable because it would expose us to a 21% to 27% error rate. It is not possible to identify a threshold, below which to consider patients surely dischargeable. The diagnosis does not appear correlated with the suitability for discharge.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of serum calcium and PTH levels in the first postoperative day, it is impossible to predict which patients can be discharged 24 hours after surgery without incurring in hypocalcemic complications.

Outpatient hemithyroidectomy: A retrospective feasibility analysis

BACKGROUND

Outpatient surgery is a major public health policy issue. It is controversial for total thyroidectomy, which raises the question of hemithyroidectomy. The present study assessed our experience in outpatient hemithyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the rates of postoperative hematoma and unscheduled hospital admission.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective analysis was conducted in two hospital centers between January 2009 and December 2013. Exclusion criteria for outpatient hemithyroidectomy comprised: ASA score >2, anticoagulant therapy, risk of completion procedure, and associated procedure requiring >12 hours' surveillance. Data were collated for age, gender, weight, postoperative complications, and unscheduled hospital admission.

RESULTS

During the study period, 294 hemithyroidectomies were performed, 130 of which on an outpatient basis (44%). There were no medical contraindications to outpatient surgery in 64% of patients operated on under conventional admission. In the outpatient group, mean age was 44 years. Eight completion thyroidectomies were performed in the outpatient group, and only two patients required admission for surveillance, with no revision surgeries. All patients were satisfied or very satisfied with outpatient management.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, outpatient hemithyroidectomy was safe and reliable.

The Epidemiology of Hypoparathyroidism in Italy: An 8-Year Register-Based Study

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder, but few studies have focused on the epidemiology and hospital management of the disease and none has been performed in Italy. We investigated the prevalence of different forms of hypoparathyroidism among hospitalized patients in Italy during an 8-year period. This study is designed as a retrospective register-based study. We retrieved data from the "Record of Hospital Discharge" (SDO) of the Italian Health Ministry, from the year 2006 to 2013 and analyzed the codes corresponding to hypoparathyroidism-related diagnoses. The inpatient prevalence of the disease was also calculated after excluding repeated hospitalizations. Overall, 27,692 hospitalization episodes for hypoparathyroidism were identified during the entire period (72.2% in women and 27.8% in men; mean age 49.5 ± 22.9 years). The mean length of stay was 7.4 ± 9.8 days (25.9% of the episodes requiring less than 3 days of stay). The mean hospitalization rate for hypoparathyroidism was 5.9/100,000 inhabitants per year and there was a significant decrease during the period of 2006-2013 (p < 0.0001). The mean hospitalization rate for postsurgical hypoparathyroidism was 1.4/100,000 inhabitants per year and the trend showed a significant reduction during the years (p < 0.0001). The mean prevalence of hypoparathyroidism among inpatients was 5.3/100,000 inhabitants per year, and there was a significant decrease over the years (p < 0.0001). Hypoparathyroidism, particularly the postsurgical form of the disease, is not an uncommon condition among hospitalized patients in Italy. We observed a tendency to a decrease in the frequency of hospitalization during the period 2006-2013.

A Carbon Nanoparticle Lymphatic Tracer Protected Parathyroid Glands During Radical Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Non-Microcarcinoma

The study assessed the role of an activated carbon nanoparticle lymphatic tracer in reducing unintentional damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid non-microcarcinoma diagnosed intraoperatively by cryosections. A total of 103 patients with papillary thyroid non-microcarcinomas diagnosed by intraoperative cryosection were randomly assigned to receive routine radical thyroidectomy or radical thyroidectomy following administration of activated carbon nanoparticle lymphatic tracer to the contralateral thyroid, at the department of Thyroid Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (Guangzhou, China), between January 2012 and May 2013. The success of level VI lymphadenectomy and postoperative parathyroid function were compared. Administration of the activated carbon nanoparticle lymphatic tracer did not affect the frequency of recovered lymph nodes containing metastases; however, it did significantly reduce the incidence of permanent and transient hypoparathyroidism from 2 to 0 and 18 to 6, and reduced the mean recovery time for transient hypoparathyroidism from 57.0 days to 22.3 days. Administration of activated carbon nanoparticles to the contralateral thyroid after intraoperative cryosections did not contribute to lymphadenectomy for papillary thyroid non-microcarcinoma, but significantly protected parathyroid functions. This approach could decrease the morbidity of radical thyroidectomy and the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism.

Living-donor parathyroid allotransplantation for therapy-refractory postsurgical persistent hypoparathyroidism in a nontransplant recipient - three year results: a case report

Background

Therapy-refractory persistent hypoparathyroidism after extensive neck surgery is a rare but severe complication. Parathyroid allotransplantation may represent a definitive treatment option.

Case presentation

A 32-year old female was referred to our hospital with intractable persistent hypocalcemia after neck surgery for papillary thyroid cancer. Despite optimal medical treatment including calcium and vitamin D supplementation and even hormonal replacement therapy hypocalcemic symptoms failed to improve. The quality of life was considered very low. In light of the unsuccessful medical therapy and the young age of the patient parathyroid allotransplantation seemed an attractive treatment option to restore normal calcium homeostasis despite of the need for immunosuppressive therapy after the procedure. Therefore, we performed living-donor allotransplantation of two healthy parathyroid glands to the recipient’s left forearm. The surgical intervention was successful. Neither the donor nor the recipient showed any complications. In the postoperative course clinical symptoms of hypocalcemia significantly improved whereas serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels progressively increased into the normal range. Former intense replacement therapy could be discontinued completely in a stepwise fashion. To date, nearly three years after transplantation, the patient remains asymptomatic with normal serum levels of calcium and PTH.

Conclusion

Successful living-donor parathyroid allotransplantation for postsurgical hypoparathyroidism represents an innovative therapeutic strategy that could provide the definitive treatment in those patients in which the disease is therapy-refractory. The procedure can be justified even in nontransplant recipients. Retrieval of parathyroid glands from healthy donors is feasible and safe.

Parathyroid gland angiography with indocyanine green fluorescence to predict parathyroid function after thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism remains the most common complication following thyroidectomy. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of intraoperative parathyroid gland angiography in predicting normal parathyroid gland function after thyroid surgery.

METHODS

Angiography with the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) was performed in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, to visualize vascularization of identified parathyroid glands.

RESULTS

Some 36 patients underwent ICG angiography during thyroidectomy. All patients received standard calcium and vitamin D supplementation. At least one well vascularized parathyroid gland was demonstrated by ICG angiography in 30 patients. All 30 patients had parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in the normal range on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 10, and only one patient exhibited asymptomatic hypocalcaemia on POD 1. Mean(s.d.) PTH and calcium levels in these patients were 3·3(1·4) pmol/l and 2·27(0·10) mmol/l respectively on POD 1, and 4·0(1.6) pmol/l and 2·32(0·08) mmol/l on POD 10. Two of the six patients in whom no well vascularized parathyroid gland could be demonstrated developed transient hypoparathyroidism. None of the 36 patients presented symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and none received treatment for hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSION

PTH levels on POD 1 were normal in all patients who had at least one well vascularized parathyroid gland demonstrated during surgery by ICG angiography, and none required treatment for hypoparathyroidism.

Outpatient thyroid surgery: Safety of an optimized protocol in more than 1,000 patients

OBJECTIVES

Outpatient thyroid surgery is becoming increasingly common. The aim of this study was to clarify the principles for safe outpatient thyroid surgery and review our outcomes with the use of a protocol for outpatient thyroidectomy in a large patient cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic analysis of a prospectively maintained database of outcomes of thyroidectomy in a tertiary endocrine surgery practice.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A protocol for outpatient thyroidectomy was conceived and refined over 3 years. A prospective analysis of all thyroidectomies accomplished by a single surgeon who used this protocol from May 2006 to November 2013 was then undertaken. Patient demographics, operative and pathologic data, admission status, complications, and readmission rates were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1,311 thyroidectomy procedures were performed during the study period, of which 1,026 (78.3 %) were conducted on an outpatient basis. The readmission rate for outpatients was 0.9%, with only 1 readmission in the last 200 procedures. Inpatients (which included patients in the 23-hour "observation" category) were readmitted more often than outpatients (3.5% vs 0.9%, P < .01). Outpatient management increased steadily throughout the study period (from 59.7% to 92.3%, P < .01), despite a larger mean nodule size and a greater rate of malignancy over time. There were no changes in the complication rate across the study timeframe except for the incidence of temporary hypocalcemia, which decreased over time (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Outpatient thyroid surgery is safe in appropriately selected patients using an optimized and systematic protocol.

Recovery from Permanent Hypoparathyroidism After Total Thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy is a rare but potentially serious iatrogenic complication. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of recovery from postoperative, permanent hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing thyroidectomy without parathyroid autotransplantation.

METHODS

This study was a prospective case series with a postoperative follow-up of up to 3 years. We enrolled patients with thyroid cancer who underwent total thyroidectomy with central compartment dissection, with or without lateral neck dissection, and who had postoperative permanent hypoparathyroidism, defined as serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) <15 pg/mL for at least 1 year. In the postoperative follow-up period, the serum levels of PTH and calcium were measured regularly. Recovery from permanent hypoparathyroidism was defined as return to normal serum levels of PTH (15-65 pg/mL) and calcium (8.5-10.1 mg/dL) without calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation.

RESULTS

In the 1467 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, 22 presented with permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. In 5 of these 22 patients, the PTH levels increased steadily and returned to normal in 27.6±2.9 months, after which supplementation of calcium and vitamin D could be discontinued.

CONCLUSIONS

Although recovery from permanent hypoparathyroidism is rare, patients should be monitored for serum PTH levels so that unnecessary treatments such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation can be avoided.

Parathyroid hormone 1-84 alters circulating vascular endothelial growth factor levels in hypoparathyroidism

CONTEXT

We previously reported on four patients treated with PTH(1-84) who recovered from postoperative hypoparathyroidism many years after onset. Because vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to be necessary for the induction of PTH-mediated angiogenesis, we postulated a possible role for VEGF in the recovery of parathyroid function in these subjects.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to measure VEGF levels in subjects with hypoparathyroidism who regained parathyroid gland function and matched controls.

SETTING AND DESIGN

Subjects with hypoparathyroidism who regained parathyroid gland function were each matched to two hypoparathyroid controls by postoperative etiology, age (within 5 y), menopausal status, and duration of hypoparathyroidism. We measured serum VEGF levels at baseline and through 48 months of PTH(1-84) therapy.

RESULTS

VEGF levels increased after the initiation of PTH(1-84) therapy for the entire cohort, from 309.7 ± 162 pg/ml at baseline to 380.2 ± 178 pg/ml at 12 months (P = .03). Levels trended downward thereafter. There were no significant differences in VEGF levels between the subjects with recovery of parathyroid function and the matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

PTH(1-84) alters serum VEGF levels in subjects with hypoparathyroidism. Additional investigation is necessary to understand the mechanisms by which some subjects with postoperative hypoparathyroidism recover parathyroid gland function.

Surgical management of thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm; however, it only accounts for less than 1% of all human malignances. Thyroid cancers are divided into well differentiated and non-well differentiated cancers, according to their histology and behavior. The surgical management options of well-differentiated thyroid cancer include total or near-total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy and lobectomy plus isthmusectomy. The extent of surgery for thyroid cancer continues to be an area of controversy. Complications associated with thyroid surgery are directly proportional to the extent of thyroidectomy and inversely proportional to the experience of the operating surgeon. They occur less frequently with good surgical technique and better understanding of surgical anatomy, and include wound healing and infections (seroma, hematoma and wound infection), nerve injury, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, postoperative hemorrhage and respiratory obstruction.

Recovery of parathyroid hormone secretion and function in postoperative hypoparathyroidism: a case series

CONTEXT

Transient and permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism are recognized complications of neck surgery. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is usually considered permanent when it persists for 6 months; in rare cases, recovery of hypoparathyroidism through 1 year has been described. Recovery of hypoparathyroidism years after diagnosis has not previously been reported.

OBJECTIVE

We report four patients being treated with PTH(1-84) in a research protocol who recovered from postoperative hypoparathyroidism many years after onset.

METHODS

Recovery from hypoparathyroidism was established by: 1) serum calcium and PTH levels within the normal range off PTH(1-84) treatment for at least 1 week; 2) requirement for daily calcium supplementation reduced to ≤1 g; and 3) no supplemental active vitamin D therapy.

RESULTS

Hypoparathyroidism developed in three subjects after repeated neck surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism and in one subject after total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease. Parathyroid tissue autotransplant was performed in two of the four subjects. Two had undetectable PTH levels at study entry, whereas the other two subjects had detectable, although low, PTH levels. Hypoparathyroidism had been present for at least 8 years, and in one case for 16 years. The recovery of parathyroid function followed treatment with PTH(1-84) for 36 to 63 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it remains relatively rare, this report documents recovery of long-term postoperative hypoparathyroidism many years after the initial diagnosis. A potential role for exogenous PTH is intriguing with several plausible mechanisms.

American Thyroid Association statement on outpatient thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

The primary goals of this interdisciplinary consensus statement are to define the eligibility criteria for outpatient thyroidectomy and to explore preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors that should be considered in order to optimize the safe and efficient performance of ambulatory surgery.

SUMMARY

A series of criteria was developed that may represent relative contraindications to outpatient thyroidectomy, and these fell into the following broad categories: clinical, social, and procedural issues. Intraoperative factors that bear consideration are enumerated, and include choice of anesthesia, use of nerve monitoring, hemostasis, management of the parathyroid glands, wound closure, and extubation. Importantly, postoperative factors are described at length, including suggested discharge criteria and recognition of complications, especially bleeding, airway distress, and hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient thyroidectomy may be undertaken safely in a carefully selected patient population provided that certain precautionary measures are taken to maximize communication and minimize the likelihood of complications.

Acute pulmonary edema secondary to upper airway obstruction by bilateral vocal cord paralysis after total thyroidectomy -A case report-

This paper reports the case of a 65-year-old woman with a history of mild arterial hypertension who presented with acute pulmonary edema immediately after a total thyroidectomy. The edema was found to have been caused by an acute upper airway obstruction secondary to bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Her pulmonary edema resolved with treatment including reintubation, mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure, diuretics, morphine, and fluid restriction. This report discusses the possible pathogenesis of this rare clinical situation. This case highlights the possibility of an acute upper airway obstruction caused by bilateral vocal cord paralysis after a total thyroidectomy and the need for prompt treatment to prevent the development of pulmonary edema.

Hypoparathyroidism in the adult: epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, target-organ involvement, treatment, and challenges for future research

Recent advances in understanding the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, clinical presentations, skeletal involvement, and therapeutic approaches to hypoparathyroidism led to the First International Workshop on Hypoparathyroidism that was held in 2009. At this conference, a group of experts convened to discuss these issues with a view towards a future research agenda for this disease. This review, which focuses primarily on hypoparathyroidism in the adult, provides a comprehensive summary of the latest information on this disease.

A newly identified variation at the entry of the recurrent laryngeal nerve into the larynx

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to highlight a new anatomical variation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and to emphasize its implications for thyroid surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study was carried out in a group of 3,078 consecutive thyroidectomies from 1998 to 2008. Total, near-total, subtotal, and partial thyroidectomy were performed for various thyroid diseases. The RLN was routinely identified and exposed in its entire course until the entry into the larynx. The postoperative complications of patients with different variations were compared.

RESULTS

4,241 RLNs were successfully identified in all patients unilaterally or bilaterally. In addition to extralaryngeal branching and nonrecurrent laryngeal nerves, an unreported variation was identified in 44 RLNs (1.04%) at their entries into the larynx. The variation happened at the trunk or the branches of the RLN entering the larynx far from the posterior of cricothyroid joint, and the entry was higher than the superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage and the arch of the cricoid. The median distance from the entry to the posterior of cricothyroid joint was more than 5 mm. As the trunk or the branches had to travel along the lateral edge of the upper 1/3 of the thyroid before entering the larynx, the incidence of RLN palsy was higher than that in extralaryngeal branching variations (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

This newly discovered variation of the RLN is more vulnerable to injury and should be brought to the attention of surgeons.

Hormone replacement after thyroid and parathyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

Hypothyroidism and hypocalcemia are common after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. In this article, the authors provide clinically-oriented recommendations to help surgeons, general practitioners, internists, and endocrinologists give their affected patients adequate hormone replacement therapy.

METHODS

Selective evaluation of original articles and reviews that were retrieved by a PubMed search over the years 1980 to 2010, as well as of the recommendations of medical societies including the Endocrine Society (USA), the German Society for Endocrinology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Endokrinologie), and the American and European Thyroid Associations.

RESULTS

Important issues in L-thyroxine replacement therapy include: the selection of the hormone preparation (T4 or T4/T3), combination with iodine (yes/no), the definition of therapeutic TSH ranges (particularly after surgery for thyroid cancer), the extent of remaining thyroid tissue after goiter surgery and its significance, underlying diseases, and drug interactions. The major issues in the treatment of postoperative hypoparathyroidism are: the selection of suitable calcium and vitamin D preparations, the definition of therapeutic goals, the treatment of hypercalciuria and hyperphosphatemia, and the option of recombinant parathormone therapy.

CONCLUSION

Effective treatment requires an appropriate choice of medication and an understanding of its pharmacokinetics as well as of the possible effects of the patient's underlying disease, comorbidities, and other medications on its absorption and metabolism.

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism: medical and surgical therapeutic options

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands, through lack of secretion of or resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH), are unable to maintain calcium homeostasis. Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism are most commonly seen as complications of neck surgery, resulting from devascularization of the parathyroids, unintentional resection, or accidental coagulation of the parathyroids.

SUMMARY

Although strategies for treatment of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism differ, the classical approach involves supplementation with calcium and vitamin D or its analogues with the major goal of achieving low normal serum calcium and normal serum phosphorus. There are a variety of calcium and vitamin D preparations available for use in the treatment of symptomatic hypoparathyroidism. In selecting the appropriate vitamin D sterol for treatment, it is important to consider the pharmocodynamics, the potency at the tissue level, the rapidity of action, and ease of reversal of toxicity. Drawbacks to conventional therapy, including narrow therapeutic window and propensity for hypercalciuria and hypercalcemia, have prompted investigation into alternatives, namely PTH replacement and parathyroid gland autotransplantation.

CONCLUSION

Long-term supplementation with vitamin D or its analogues and oral calcium is the mainstay of management of postoperative hypoparathyroidism; however, PTH replacement strategies with either PTH or parathyroid gland autotransplantation are emerging as alternative strategies to avoid the complications of conventional therapy.

Thyroid cancer in young adults

The incidence of thyroid cancer in young adults is rising. Differentiated carcinoma (ie, papillary, follicular, and their variants) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) represent the two most common subtypes, with differing etiologies, prognoses, and management strategies. Ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the best initial test for evaluating a nodule or mass suspicious for malignancy. Tumor histology, in addition to radiographic findings and clinical presentation, guides surgical management, the need for adjuvant therapies, and the optimal approach to long-term follow-up. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is used to reduce recurrence and improve survival for differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs). Emerging systemic therapies provide options for patients with progressive metastatic MTC or radio-resistant DTC. Overall, the prognosis for the most common thyroid malignancy, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), is excellent. The treatment of young adult thyroid cancer patients occurs optimally as part of a multidisciplinary coordination of care.

Novel hemostatic devices in thyroid surgery: electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system and harmonic scalpel

Accurate and efficient hemostasis is one of the first priorities of the thyroid surgeon to prevent or minimize complications, including injury to the laryngeal nerves or parathyroid glands, perioperative hemorrhage and the potentially life-threatening hematoma. Means to prevent and control intra- or postoperative bleeding therefore remain a topic of utmost importance. Although thyroidectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures, the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve hemostasis is debated by endocrine surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists. In our opinion, there is no substitute for meticulous surgical technique and hemostasis, while experience in such operations is essential for the best outcome with the fewest complications. Ties, suture-ligations, monopolar/bipolar diathermy, clips, and hemostatic agents/sealants or tissue adhesives have been used. Over the last 10 years, innovative hemostatic devices, such as the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system and ultrasonically activated shears, have been developed and have been welcome adjuncts to the thyroid surgeon's armamentarium. In this review we aim to cover both novel and well-established traditional techniques of hemostasis in thyroid surgery, with specific focus on the bipolar vessel sealer and harmonic scalpel.

Electrocautery for cutaneous flap creation during thyroidectomy: a randomised, controlled study

Background:

Although electrocautery has been used widely in surgery, the fear of delayed wound healing and infection persists. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for wound complications and the rate of wound complications, comparing the use of electrocautery or scissors in cutaneous flap creation during thyroidectomy.

Design:

The study group comprised 239 consecutive patients scheduled for thyroidectomy.

Subjects:

Patients were randomly assigned to cutaneous flap dissection by either electrocautery (group one, n = 126) or scissors (group two, n = 113). Age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology score, tissue weight, operating time, incision length, cutaneous tissue depth, thyroid function and surgeon experience were recorded and compared with the rate of post-operative wound complications in both groups.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the overall rate of post-operative wound complications, comparing groups one and two (7.9 vs 10.6 per cent, respectively; p = 0.74). Significant positive correlations were found between wound complication and age (Spearman's rank coefficient (rs) = 0.135, p = 0.036), body mass index (rs = 0.379, p = 0.0001), cutaneous tissue depth (rs = 0.677, p = 0.0001) and tissue weight (rs = 0.643, p = 0.0001). According to logistic regression analysis, a body mass index of more than 27.5 kg/m2 was associated with a 13.7-fold increased rate of post-operative wound complications.

Conclusion:

When creating cutaneous flaps during thyroidectomy, the use of electrocautery is as safe as the use of scissors. Such electrocautery does not increase the risk of wound complications in thyroid surgery.

An Evidence-based Approach to Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Cancer: Screening, Clinical Management, and Follow-up

Approximately 5% of nonmedullary thyroid cancers are of familial origin. When two or more family members are diagnosed with nonmedullary thyroid cancer in the absence of other known associated syndromes it is termed familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC). The genetic inheritance of FNMTC remains unknown, but it is believed to be an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. FNMTC has been shown to be more aggressive and to have a worse prognosis than sporadic nonmedullary thyroid cancer. For example, studies have demonstrated that individuals with FNMTC have an increased risk of multifocal disease, local invasion, and lymph node metastases. These aggressive features appear to contribute to the higher recurrence rate and decreased disease-free survival seen in FNMTC patients compared to those with sporadic differentiated thyroid cancer. This article is an overview of the literature available in the English language discussing FNMTC. Critical questions regarding the screening, management, and follow-up of these patients are addressed with answers proposed based on the available literature. The quality of the evidence is ranked according to Sackett's criteria. Overall, the literature quality is somewhat limited, based on the low prevalence of FNMTC, the difficulty in identifying familial cases, the variable study designs, and limited long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, the optimal clinical approach is yet to be established, but improved awareness and screening will permit earlier detection, more timely intervention, and hopefully improved outcomes for patients and their families.