Predictors of outcomes following pediatric thyroid and parathyroid surgery

Identifying Parathyroids in Pediatric Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery by Near Infrared Autofluorescence

OBJECTIVES

Compared to adult patients undergoing thyroid surgery, pediatric patients have higher rates of hypoparathyroidism often related to parathyroid gland (PG) inadvertent injury or devascularization. Previous studies have shown that near-infrared-autofluorescence (NIRAF) can be reliably used intraoperatively for label-free parathyroid identification, but all prior studies have been performed in adult patients. In this study, we assess the utility and accuracy of NIRAF with a fiber-optic probe-based system to identify PGs in pediatric patients undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

All pediatric patients (under 18 years of age) undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. The surgeon's visual assessment of tissues was first noted and the surgeon's confidence level in the tissue identified was recorded. A fiber-optic probe was then used to illuminate tissues-of-interest with a wavelength of 785 nm and resulting NIRAF intensities from these tissues were measured while the surgeon was blinded to results.

RESULTS

NIRAF intensities were measured intraoperatively in 19 pediatric patients. Normalized NIRAF intensities for PGs (3.63 ± 2.47) were significantly higher than that of thyroid (0.99 ± 0.36, p < 0.001) and other surrounding soft tissues (0.86 ± 0.40, p < 0.001). Based on the PG identification ratio threshold of 1.2, NIRAF yielded a detection rate of 95.8% (46/48 pediatric PGs).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that NIRAF detection can potentially be a valuable and non-invasive technique to identify PGs during neck operations in the pediatric population. To our knowledge, this is the first study in children to assess the accuracy of probe-based NIRAF detection for intraoperative parathyroid identification.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 133:3208-3215, 2023.

Perioperative outcomes in children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis undergoing total thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) affects 1-2 % of the pediatric population. In adults with HT, thyroidectomy is considered challenging and prone to postoperative complications due to the chronic inflammatory process. However, the complications of thyroidectomy among children with HT have not been established. The objective of our study was to evaluate whether children with HT undergoing total thyroidectomy for presumed thyroid cancer have higher complication rates than children without HT.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent total thyroidectomy by high-volume pediatric otolaryngologists between 2014 and 2021.

RESULTS

111 patients met inclusion criteria, 15 of these were diagnosed with HT preoperatively. Operative time and length of admission were similar among the groups. Postoperatively, patients with HT were more likely to have low levels of parathyroid hormone (60 % vs 26 %, p = 0.014) and transient hypocalcemia compared to non-HT patients, present with symptomatic hypocalcemia (67 % vs 27 %, p = 0.006), demonstrate EKG changes (20 % vs 6.3 %, p = 0.035) within 24 h of surgery, and to require both oral and intravenous calcium supplements (80 % vs 35 %, p = 0.001 and 60 % vs 22 % p = 0.004 respectively). Persistent hypocalcemia at 6 months follow-up, and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis rates were similar between groups. Parathyroid tissue was found in the thyroid specimen of 9 (60 %) HT patients vs 34 (35 %) non-HT patients (p = 0.069).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of permanent complications among children with HT following thyroidectomy is low. However, patients with HT are more likely to develop symptomatic transient hypocalcemia and to require oral and intravenous calcium supplements in the immediate post-operative period compared to non-HT patients. Tailoring a perioperative treatment protocol to optimize calcium levels may be considered for children with HT.

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in the presentation and management of pediatric thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVES

Disparities across race and socioeconomic status (SES) in cancer treatment exist for many malignancies. Disadvantaged groups have repeatedly been shown to receive sub-optimal treatment. This study intends to analyze racial and SES disparities in the presentation and management of pediatric thyroid cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective national database study of children who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid papillary, medullary, and follicular carcinoma between 2007 and 2016 was conducted using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of 1) tumor stage/size at diagnosis and 2) treatment modalities.

RESULTS

1942 children were analyzed. The average tumor size at presentation was 20 mm for White patients, 26 mm for Non-White patients, and 27 mm for Hispanic patients (p < 0.001). Stage of disease differed significantly by race/ethnicity (p < 0.001) with Non-White and Hispanic patients having more distant disease than White patients at presentation. On multivariable regression, Hispanic patients (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.06-1.87, p = 0.017) were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages. Non-White (OR 2.03, 1.50-2.73, p < 0.001) and Hispanic patients (OR 1.57, 1.19-2.07, p = 0.002) had larger tumors at diagnosis than White patients after controlling for other SES factors.

CONCLUSIONS

SES disparities exist in pediatric thyroid cancer. Non-White and Hispanic patients are more likely to present with larger tumors and distant disease as compared to White patients. Understanding and intervening on these SES disparities is essential to improve outcomes.

Impact of energy-based devices in pediatric thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND

Energy-based devices are surgical devices increasingly utilized for thyroid surgery, owing to a reduction of operative time and surgical related complications. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the use of energy-based devices could improve the complication rate in pediatric thyroid surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study. We identified 177 consecutive pediatric patients (Group A) with thyroid diseases, surgically treated by energy-based devices and 237 patients (Group B) treated by conventional clamp and tie technique and matched for sex, age and indication for surgery. Transient and permanent complications rate, operative time and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients of Group A experienced a lower complication rate compared to Group B. Particularly, transient (11.3 vs. 19% p < 0.05) and permanent post operative hypoparathyroidism (1.7 vs. 5.5%, p < 0.05) were lower in Group A. Moreover, operative time was also shorter in Group A compared to Group B and this difference was statistically significant in patients who performed total thyroidectomy alone and total thyroidectomy associated with central compartment neck dissection (p < 0.05). Length of hospital stay was lower in Group A than in Group B, but this difference was statistically significant only for microfollicular lesion (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of energy-based devices has a key role in reducing surgical related complications, particularly transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism, operative time and length of hospital stay in pediatric patients treated with thyroid surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective comparative study.

Surgeon perceptions of volume threshold and essential practices for pediatric thyroidectomy✰

INTRODUCTION

The topics of sub-specialization and regionalization of care have garnered increased attention among pediatric surgeons. Thyroid surgeries are one such sub-specialty and are commonly concentrated within practices. A national survey was conducted examining current surgeon practices and beliefs surrounding pediatric thyroid surgery.

METHODS

Non-resident members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) were surveyed in October 2020. Respondents were stratified based on self-reported thyroid surgical experience. Those who performed thyroid surgery were asked about surgical technique and operative practices; those who did not were asked about referral patterns. All respondents were asked about perceptions surrounding the volume-outcome relationship for pediatric thyroid surgery.

RESULTS

Among 1015 APSA members, 405 (40%) responded, with 79% (317/400) practicing at academic hospitals, 58% (232/401) practicing in major metropolitan area, and 41% (161/392) with over 10 years of attending pediatric surgery experience. Most respondents (88%, n = 356) agreed that thyroid surgery volume affects outcome, though wide variation was reported in the annual case threshold for "high volume" surgery. Eighty-four respondents (21%) reported performing ≥ 1 pediatric thyroid surgery in the past year. Of these, 82% routinely use recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring, 32% routinely send hemithyroidectomy patients home the same day, and there was little consensus surrounding postoperative hypocalcemia management. The majority of respondents endorse performing thyroid procedures with a colleague.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric thyroid surgery appears to be performed by a subset of active pediatric surgeons, most of whom endorse the use of a dual operating team. More evidence is needed to build consensus around additional perioperative practices.

Outcome and complications after surgery for thyroid carcinoma in pediatric age—an evaluation of practice

Objectives

To discuss management protocol, surgical complications, and outcomes of thyroid carcinoma in children.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis including all pediatric patients with thyroid carcinoma who were managed at our institution between January 2011 and January 2021. Data were analyzed regarding demographics, clinical features, operative details, postoperative complications, and survival data.

Results

Thirty-two patients were identified; 26 females (81.25%) and 6 males (18.75%). The median age at operation was 14 years (range: 5–18). Twenty-six (81.25%) patients presented with palpable thyroid swelling. Median tumor size was 3 cm (range: 1–7). Metastatic workup did not detect any pulmonary metastases. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 25 patients (78%), and 16 of them underwent additional bilateral neck dissection (16 had central nodal dissection, and 7 had both central and lateral nodal dissection). Seven patients (22%) underwent hemithyroidectomy, and only one of them had a completion thyroidectomy after 2 weeks. Conservative resection was adopted in six children with similar criteria (tumor size < 1.5 cm in one lobe, no extrathyroid extension, differentiated thyroid carcinoma, no detected lymph nodes). Postoperative complications occurred in eight patients (all had total thyroidectomy) with an overall incidence of 25%. Seven patients had transient morbidities that were managed conservatively (chylous leak n = 1, hypoparathyroidism n = 3, and nerve palsy n = 3). At a median follow-up time of 54 months, four patients had relapsed (all underwent total thyroidectomy). The 5-year OS and EFS were 100% and 87.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

Operative resection for pediatric thyroid carcinoma can be performed with average short-term complications and achieving excellent outcomes. Total thyroidectomy remains the standard procedure of choice in the majority of those patients. However, conservative surgery can be successfully adopted in a well-selected group of children with favorable long-term results as per our findings.

Treating papillary and follicular thyroid cancer in children and young people: Single UK-center experience between 2003 and 2018

AIM

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in children and adolescents is rare and data about its presentation and management are not well known. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the current practice in the United Kingdom before the launch of the Rare National Paediatric Endocrine Tumours Guidelines (to be published in 2020).

METHODS

Seventy-two children and adolescents with DTC (<18 years) who were treated at our institution between 2003 and 2018 were identified and their presentation, treatment and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Median age at presentation was 12.7 years [range: 1-18] and fifty-two (72%) were girls. Fifty (69.4%) children and adolescents presented with a thyroid nodule. Thirteen (18%) had cervical adenopathy and seven of them (54%) underwent an excision biopsy under GA. Eight patients (11%) had evidence of lung metastases at presentation. Twenty-four patients (33%) underwent a hemithyroidectomy and 22 of those had a completion thyroidectomy subsequently, ten (14%) a total thyroidectomy alone and 37 (51%) a total thyroidectomy with lymph nodes dissection. Seventy patients (97%) underwent adjuvant RAI at our institution. The median number of children and adolescents managed per year was five [range: 0-10]. After an overall median follow-up of 40 months, eight patients (11%) had developed recurrent disease. The 1- and 5-year recurrence-free-survival-rates were 93% and 87%, respectively. Overall survival was 100%, with eight children and adolescents (11%) being alive with disease.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that DTC in children and adolescents is uncommon, is frequently advanced at presentation and has considerable recurrence rates. Despite this, overall survival is excellent. Although the work-up was generally appropriate (image-guided cytology), open biopsy for the diagnosis of lymph node involvement was still employed. The introduction of a specific UK guideline for this age-group will likely result in more tailored-made treatment-pathways and thereby hopefully improve quality and outcomes even further.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognosis study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Volume, outcomes, and quality standards in thyroid surgery: an evidence-based analysis-European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES) positional statement

INTRODUCTION

Continuous efforts in surgical speciality aim to improve outcome. Therefore, correlation of volume and outcome, developing subspecialization, and identification of reliable parameters to identify and measure quality in surgery gain increasing attention in the surgical community as well as in public health care systems, and by health care providers. The need to investigate these correlations in the area of endocrine surgery was identified by ESES, and thyroid surgery was chosen for this analysis of the prevalent literature with regard to outcome and volume.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search that is detailed below about correlation between volume and outcome in thyroid surgery was performed and assessed from an evidence-based perspective. Following presentation and live data discussion, a revised final positional statement was presented and consented by the ESES assembly.

RESULTS

There is a lack of prospective randomized controlled studies for all items representing quality parameters of thyroid surgery using uniform definitions. Therefore, evidence levels are low and recommendation grades are based mainly on expert and peer evaluation of the prevalent data.

CONCLUSION

In thyroid surgery a volume and outcome relationship exists with respect to the prevalence of complications. Besides volume, cumulative experience is expected to improve outcomes. In accordance with global data, a case load of < 25 thyroidectomies per surgeon per year appears to identify a low-volume surgeon, while > 50 thyroidectomies per surgeon per year identify a high-volume surgeon. A center with a case load of > 100 thyroidectomies per year is considered high-volume. Thyroid cancer and autoimmune thyroid disease predict an increased risk of surgical morbidity and should be operated by high-volume surgeons. Oncological results of thyroid cancer surgery are significantly better when performed by high-volume surgeons.

Thyroid surgery in children and young adults: potential overtreatment and complications

Purpose

Thyroid nodules in the pediatric population are more frequently associated with malignant thyroid disease than in adult cohorts. Yet, there is a potential risk of surgical overtreatment. With this single center study, an analysis of potential overtreatment for suspected malignant thyroid disease in children and young adults was aimed for.

Methods

In a period from 2005 to 2018, 155 thyroid operations in children and young adults performed at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany, were analyzed (patient age 3–20 years, 117 female). Cases were categorized for preoperative diagnosis: non-malignant (group I, n = 45) and malignant thyroid disease (group II, n = 110). Postoperative parameters (histology, complication rates) were assessed and compared between groups.

Results

91.1% of group I were histologically benign. 44.5% of group II harbored malignancy. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was documented in group I (2.7%) and in group II (1.4%, p = 1.000). Wound infections were absent in group I but observed in group II (0.9%, p = 1.000). Transient vocal cord palsy was recorded only in group I (2.3%, 2/85 vs. 0/177 nerves at risk, p = 0.104). Permanent vocal cord palsies were absent.

Conclusion

Preoperative diagnoses were correct in over 90% of group I and in nearly 45% of group II. The high proportion of carcinomas in group II ruled out the issue of potential overtreatment. The risk of severe postoperative complications was equally low in both patient groups.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00423-020-01896-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Risk factors of post-surgery complications in children with thyroid cancer

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid cancer in children is a hot topic because of the large clinical heterogeneity and the risk of severe complications. We aimed to study 1. The frequency, 2. Etiology, and 3. Risk factors of post-surgery complications of thyroid cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis including risk factors for post-surgery complications of patients treated for thyroid malignancies in years 2006-2018 was performed.

RESULTS

Over a period of 12 years 22 patients with thyroid malignancy (68% female; 12.6 ± 4.0 years of age, median follow-up 6 years) were identified. Histologically, 12 (55%) patients had papillary carcinoma. Six patients (27.3%) had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome, 3 (13.7%) patients had medullary carcinoma and 1 patient had follicular carcinoma. Neck lymph node metastases were diagnosed in 8 (36.4%), distant metastases in 6 (27.3%), and both locations were involved in 4 (18.2%) patients. Six (27.3%) children had surgical complications: 1 child had unilateral vocal cord paralysis and transient hypoparathyroidism and 5 had transient hypoparathyroidism. The higher risk of surgery complications in forward stepwise logistic regression was associated in with distant metastases (R2 = 0.584, OR 52.63, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative complications were significantly associated with presence of distant metastases. Favorable results were observed in with children with MEN2 syndrome.

Complications in head and neck surgery

Head and neck anatomy is topographically complex and the region is densely populated by vital nerves and vascular and lymphatic structures. Injury to many of these structures is associated with significant morbidity and may even be fatal. A thorough knowledge of regional anatomy is imperative and complications need to be managed in a thoughtful directed manner. The pediatric surgeon may be called upon to address both congenital and acquired conditions and should be prepared to encounter reoperative fields after failed initial surgery. This review summarizes the current literature on four frequently encountered surgical conditions of the head and neck: branchial cleft anomalies, thyroglossal duct cyst, thyroid disease, and lymphatic malformations, with a focus on the prevention and treatment of complications.

Associations of Volume and Thyroidectomy Outcomes

Objective

This study explored how different hospital volumes and surgeon volumes affect thyroidectomy outcomes in terms of length of stay (LOS), costs, and in‐hospital mortality.

Data Sources

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.

Review Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 125,037 thyroidectomy patients treated at Taiwan hospitals from 1996 to 2010. Relationships between hospital/surgeon volume and patient outcomes were retrospectively analyzed by propensity score matching. In conjunction with the retrospective study, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the relevant literature also were performed.

Results

The mean LOS for all thyroidectomies performed during the study period was 3.3 days, and the mean cost was $1193.5. Both high‐volume hospitals and high‐volume surgeons were associated with significantly shorter LOS and lower costs compared with their low‐volume counterparts (P <. 001). Different volume groups had similar in‐hospital mortality rates. The meta‐analysis results consistently showed that the benefits of high‐volume hospitals/surgeons are reduced LOS and costs. However, low in‐hospital mortality rates were associated with high‐volume surgeons but not with high‐volume hospitals.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis showed that patients who received thyroidectomies performed by high‐volume hospitals and surgeons had shorter LOS and lower costs compared with those treated by low‐volume hospitals and surgeons. In addition, in‐hospital survival rates were better in patients treated by high‐volume surgeons. Further research is needed to define the learning curve for thyroidectomy and to clarify how hospital volume and surgeon volume affect its success rate.

Value-based healthcare: implications for thyroid cancer

Today's delivery of care to thyroid cancer patients is complex, and costly, with uneven outcomes that can be improved. The incidence of thyroid cancer is rising and requires coordinated, multidisciplinary care with high volume centers that is not always available in our current fragmented healthcare system. To address the needs of patients, providers and payers, we believe that thyroid cancer care needs to be reexamined from the perspective of value for the patient, which is defined as the outcomes that matter to patients relative to the cost of delivering them. This paper provides recommendations based on the key principles of the value-based approach to transform the delivery of thyroid cancer care.

Quality of life and clinical outcome after thyroid surgery in children: A 13 years single center experience

BACKGROUND

Given the low mortality of pediatric patients diagnosed with thyroid disease, quality of life (QoL) after thyroid surgery is very important. To organize the best possible patient care we analyzed our experience with respect to QoL and clinical outcome.

METHODS

This is a single center, retrospective cohort study. Data of patients who underwent thyroid surgery < 19 years between January 2000 and December 2012 were collected. QoL was measured using the child health questionnaire child form (CHQ-CF87, < 18 years) and the World Health Organization quality of life assessment (WHOQOL-100, ≥ 18 years).

RESULTS

Forty patients were included (mean age 13.7 years; 29 females (72.5%)). Twenty-six patients underwent total thyroidectomy (including 7 repeat surgeries), 14 underwent hemithyroidectomy. QoL assessment in 26 patients revealed lower physical QoL in patients with a current age < 18 years (n = 11) (p < .001), but higher overall and physical QoL in patients ≥ 18 years (n = 15) compared with controls (p = .01 and p = .036 respectively). Patients ≥ 18 years, who underwent total thyroidectomy experienced lower overall and physical QoL compared with those who underwent hemithyroidectomy (p = .035 and p = .005 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for thyroid disease during childhood significantly affects QoL. However, QoL seems to improve with increasing age, and hemi-thyroidectomy has less negative effects on QoL than total thyroidectomy.

Pediatric papillary thyroid cancer >1 cm: is total thyroidectomy necessary?

PURPOSE

Treatment of pediatric papillary thyroid cancer (p-PTC) often follows adult guidelines, including total thyroidectomy for tumors >1cm. This study examined the association between operation type and overall survival (OS) for tumors >1cm in size in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Patients ≤ 21 years of age with primary papillary thyroid cancer >1cm were reviewed from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) from 1998 to 2011. Kaplan-Meier analysis followed by Cox proportional hazard models estimated the impact of total thyroidectomy (TT) vs. partial thyroidectomy (PT) on overall survival. Models were adjusted for patient, tumor, and treatment factors.

RESULTS

3,861 cases (3474 TT, 387 PT) were included. Estimated 15-year overall survival was 96.10% after TT and 96.18% after PT (p=0.0855). In multivariate analysis of 3173 patients, only lowest socioeconomic level (HR 4.93, p=0.001) and unfavorable histology (HR 6.11, p=0.016) were associated with worse OS. Survival for patients undergoing TT was not statistically improved over those undergoing PT (HR 0.81, p=0.694).

CONCLUSION

p-PTC >1cm has an excellent 15-year overall survival. Treatment with TT did not have an improved OS compared to PT. Lower socioeconomic status and unfavorable histology were associated with decreased OS.

Pediatric endocrine surgery: a 20-year experience at the Mayo Clinic

CONTEXT

Surgically managed endocrinopathies are rare in children. Most surgeons have limited experience in this field. Herein we report our operative experience with pediatric patients, performed over two decades by high-volume endocrine surgeons.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the Mayo Clinic (a tertiary referral center).

PATIENTS

Patients were <19 years old and underwent an endocrine operation (1993-2012).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographics, surgical procedure, diagnoses, morbidity, and mortality were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 241 primary cases included 177 thyroid procedures, 13 neck dissections, 24 parathyroidectomies, 14 adrenalectomies, 7 paragangliomas, and 6 pancreatic procedures. Average age of patients was 14.2 years. There were 133 total thyroidectomies and 40 hemithyroidectomies. Fifty-three cases underwent a central or lateral neck dissection. Six-month follow-up was available for 98 total thyroidectomy patients. There were four cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism (4%) and no permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralyses. Sequelae of neck dissections included temporary RLN neurapraxia and Horner's syndrome. Parathyroidectomy was performed on 24 patients: 20 with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), three with tertiary HPT, and one with familial hypocalciuric hypocalcemia. Three patients (16%) had recurrent HPT, all with multiglandular disease. One patient had temporary RLN neurapraxia. We performed seven bilateral and seven unilateral adrenalectomies; eight were laparoscopic. Indications included pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, adrenocortical carcinoma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and ganglioneuroma. One death was due to adrenocortical carcinoma. Five paraganglioma patients had succinate dehydrogenase subunit B mutations, and one recurred. Six patients with insulinoma underwent enucleation (n = 5) or distal pancreatectomy (n = 1). A single postoperative abscess was managed nonoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric endocrine procedures are uncommon but can be safely performed with complication rates comparable to those of the adult population. It is imperative that these operations be performed by high-volume surgeons.

Thyroid cancer in children and adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Paediatric thyroid cancer is a rare disease, but its incidence is rising in recent reports. This review aims at integrating recent findings into the current optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

The causal relationship of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) to radiation exposure is increasingly unravelled. Research progressively uncovers the genetic basis, such as RET (rearranged during transfection)/papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) rearrangement and RET-mutations. Knowledge of oncogenic signalling pathways nowadays starts to help finetuning diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. This knowledge complements the current state-of-the-art of paediatric thyroid cancer treatment. In childhood, DTC presents at a more advanced stage and implies higher recurrence rates, recurrences often occurring decades later. Treatment should minimize not only these recurrences but also long-term treatment sequelae. Total thyroidectomy and central compartment dissection by a high-volume surgeon and radioactive iodine is the preferred approach for most children with DTC. For children with medullary thyroid cancer within the MEN2 framework, when possible, prophylactic thyroidectomy is performed. Unfortunately, frequently, the diagnosis is still made at a later stage, and then requires total thyroidectomy with dissection of the central compartment and the lateral neck, when involved.

SUMMARY

The management complexity, the essential long-term follow-up and the lifetime burden of eventual complications demands management of paediatric thyroid cancer by physicians with the highest expertise. In such hands, excellent results can be obtained.

Comparison of pediatric surgical outcomes by the surgeon's degree of specialization in children

INTRODUCTION

Improved surgical outcomes in children have been associated with pediatric surgical specialization, previously defined by surgeon operative volume or fellowship training. The present study evaluates pediatric surgical outcomes through classifying surgeons by degrees of pediatric versus adult operative experience.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed using nationally representative hospital discharge data from 1998 to 2007. Patients under 18 years of age undergoing inpatient operations in neurosurgery, otolaryngology, cardiothoracic, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and urology were included. An index was created, calculating the proportion of children treated by each surgeon. In-hospital mortality and length of stay were compared by index quartiles. Multivariate analysis was adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 119,164 patients were operated on by 13,141 surgeons. Within cardiothoracic surgery, there were 1.78 (p=0.02) and 2.61 (p<0.01) increased odds of mortality comparing surgeons in the lowest two quartiles for pediatric specialization respectively with the highest quartile. For general surgery, a 2.15 (p=0.04) increase in odds for mortality was found when comparing surgeons between the lowest and the highest quartiles. Comparing the least to the most specialized surgeons, length of stay increased 1.14 days (p=0.02) for cardiothoracic surgery, 0.58 days (p=0.04) for neurosurgery, 0.23 days (p=0.02) for otolaryngology, and decreased by 1.06 days (p<0.01) for orthopedic surgery.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that surgeons caring preferentially for children-as a proportion of their overall practice-generally have improved mortality outcomes in general and cardiothoracic surgery. These data suggest a benefit associated with increased referral of children to pediatric practitioners, but further study is required.

Pediatric thyroid disease: when is surgery necessary, and who should be operating on our children?

Surgical diseases of the thyroid in the pediatric population represent a diverse set of both benign and malignant conditions. Overall, incidence is rare. Benign conditions include Graves' disease, toxic adenomas, congenital hyperthyroidism, and goiter. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), with its related familial cancer syndromes, are the most common malignancies. Near-total or total thyroidectomy is the appropriate surgery for thyroid cancer, with/out central lymph node dissection. Emerging practice guidelines from professional societies are helpful, although they generally have not addressed surgical management of the pediatric patient. Thyroidectomy in children is associated with a higher rate of complications, such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism, as compared to the surgery in adults. Therefore, it is essential that pediatric thyroidectomy be performed by high-volume thyroid surgeons, regardless of specialty. Case volume to support surgical expertise usually must be borrowed from the adult experience, given the relative paucity of pediatric thyroidectomies at an institutional level. These surgeons should work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatric endocrinologists and anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nuclear medicine physicians, and pathologists to afford children the best clinical outcomes.

Characterization of hyperparathyroidism in youth and adolescents: a literature review

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the preoperative diagnostic modalities, surgical treatments, and glandular pathologies associated with primary hyperparathyroidism in children and adolescents under 20 years of age.

METHODS

We searched PUBMED, Cochrane databases, OVID, Web of Science (SCIE and SSCI), CINAHL, and Health Source: Nursing academic for articles involving surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism in the pediatric population on 5/2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Literature review, database review, and retrospective review studies date were used from 1986 until 2012. Ages ranged for 0-19 years old.

RESULTS

Of the 230 cases of pediatric primary hyperparathyroidism reported since 1987, solitary adenomas (SA), multiple gland hyperplasia disease (MGHD), double adenomas (DA), and normal parathyroid gland pathology occurred in 80%, 16.5%, 0.9%, and 2.6% respectively. Of the MGHD patients (38 pts), 1/2 (19 pts) of the cases were attributed to MEN I, MEN II, or familial non MEN hyperparathyroidism. Tc(99m)-sestamibi and ultrasound were 86% (37/43) and 74.5% (70/94) sensitive, respectively for localizing parathyroid disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited data exists on pediatric and adolescent patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Sufficient data exists demonstrating single adenomas are most common and young patients are usually more symptomatic than adults. One may conclude that spontaneous primary hyperparathyroidism may be approached and managed similarly to adults. The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in this population may be under appreciated and a lower threshold for ordering a screening serum calcium should be considered.

Long-term follow-up data may help manage patient and parent expectations for pediatric patients undergoing thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

We investigated the incidence and impact of postoperative complications in children who underwent total thyroidectomy (TTx).

METHODS

The records of all pediatric patients undergoing TTx (2001-2011) at our institution were retrospectively reviewed for the occurrence of biochemical hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone >10 mIU/mL), laboratory assessments, and medication nonadherence.

RESULTS

The 74 patients (median age, 12.5 years) had thyroid cancer (differentiated, n = 39; medullary, n = 16) or benign pathology (n = 19; 16 with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A). The median postoperative follow-up was 3.2 years; 46 patients (62%) had ≥ 1 year follow-up. Forty-one percent had ≥ 1 period of medication nonadherence; this was not associated with age at TTx (P = .30). Non-treatment-related hypothyroidism occurred in 33% of patients during postoperative year (POY) 1. The number of POY1 laboratory assessments among the 30% of patients with parathyroid dysfunction was more than twice that among patients with normal parathyroid function (median assessments per year 8 vs 3; P < .0001). Forty-four percent of patients/families reported behavioral or physiologic changes; 40% were concomitant with abnormal thyroid function.

CONCLUSION

More than 40% of pediatric patients were unable to fully adhere to postoperative medication regimens, and non-treatment-related hypothyroidism was common. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism doubled the number of laboratory assessments obtained. These data may help families better prepare for TTx sequelae.

Evolution of pediatric thyroid surgery at a tertiary medical center

BACKGROUND

Thyroidectomy in the pediatric population is often avoided due to perceived risks in children. With growing subspecialization and establishment of high volume endocrine surgery centers, the indications for thyroid surgery and extent of resection continue to change. We examined the evolution of pediatric thyroid surgery at a high volume tertiary medical center.

METHODS

From our prospectively collected database, we reviewed medical records of individuals younger than 19 y who underwent thyroidectomy at our institution from 1994 to 2009. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) before establishment of our endocrine surgery center (1994-2001) and (2) since establishment of the center (2002-2009).

RESULTS

We identified 78 operations performed on 74 patients with a median age of 15 (range 3-18) y. We found that the number of patients doubled in the later time period, with 26 operations in group 1 and 52 in group 2. The age of patients and percentage of females were similar between groups. After establishment of the endocrine surgery center, there was a significant increase in total thyroidectomies for all indications, including significantly more for benign disease. Overall, 9% of the patient population experienced transient complications, with no permanent complications or long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric thyroid surgery is extremely safe, especially when performed at a high volume endocrine surgery center. We more often select surgical treatment for benign disease and choose total thyroidectomy over limited resection. This may reflect increasing confidence in the safety and efficacy of surgery and reliability of thyroid hormone replacement.

Management of medullary thyroid carcinoma and MEN2 syndromes in childhood

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2 syndromes are rare but important endocrine diseases that are increasingly managed by pediatric providers. MTC is generally associated with a favorable prognosis when diagnosed during childhood, where it frequently occurs secondary to activating mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and arises from pre-existing C-cell hyperplasia. MEN2A accounts for 90-95% of childhood MTC cases and is most commonly due to mutations in codon 634 of RET. MEN2B is associated with the most aggressive clinical presentation of MTC and is almost always due to the Met918Thr mutation of RET. Surgery is the primary treatment and only chance of cure, although the advent of targeted therapies seems to be improving progression-free survival in advanced cases. Since the discovery of the role of RET in MEN2A, considerable advances in the management of this syndrome have occurred, and most of the children with MEN2A who have undergone early thyroidectomy will now lead full, productive lives. Strong genotype-phenotype correlations have facilitated the development of guidelines for interventions. Contemporary approaches for deciding the appropriate age at which surgery should take place incorporate data from ultrasonography and calcitonin measurements in addition to the results of genotyping. To optimize care and to facilitate ongoing research, children with MTC and the MEN2 syndromes are optimally treated at tertiary centers with multidisciplinary expertise.

What is the optimal treatment for children with primary hyperparathyroidism?

PURPOSE

Little information exists regarding the optimal surgical treatment of pediatric primary hyperparathyroidism. We hypothesized that primary hyperparathyroidism in children, in the absence of a family history, is caused by single-gland disease and is amenable to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP).

METHODS

We reviewed the records of individuals younger than 25 years who underwent parathyroidectomy in a prospectively collected database at a single tertiary hospital from 2003 to 2009.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were identified, with a mean (SD) age of 19 (3.7) years. Sixty percent had single-gland disease (n = 15). Familial disease was present in 6 patients. All of the children younger than 18 years without a family history of disease (9/9) were found to have a single-gland disease (P < .001). Seventy-eight percent of patients without a family history were successfully treated without a bilateral exploration. Average length of stay was less than 1 day with no complications or recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary hyperparathyroidism in patients younger than 18 years without a family history was uniformly caused by single-gland disease. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy was successful in these patients and avoided the morbidity of bilateral exploration. We recommend MIP be used in pediatric patients at large referral centers with prior successful institutional experience with the technique.

Fractures of the mandibular condyle: evidence base and current concepts of management

Management of mandibular condylar fractures remains a source of ongoing controversy. While some condylar fractures can be managed non-surgically, recognition of fracture patterns that require surgical intervention and selection of an appropriate operative procedure are paramount to success in treating these injuries.The objective of this review is to appraise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions that are used in the management of fractures of the mandibular condyle.

Disparities in access to pediatric neurooncological surgery in the United States

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate whether disparities in access to high-volume centers for neurooncological care existed in the United States in 1988-2005.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1988-2005) was performed, with additional factors incorporated from the Area Resource File (2006). International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis/procedure coding was used to identify patients. High-volume centers were defined as those with > or =50 neurosurgical cases per year. Patients >18 years of age were excluded. Covariates included age, gender, race, Charlson Index score, insurance, and county-level characteristics (including median home value, proportion of foreign born residents, and county neurosurgeon density). Multivariate analysis was performed by using multiple logistic regression models. P values of <.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 4421 patients were identified; 1651 (37.34%) were admitted to high-volume centers. Overall access to high-volume centers improved slightly over the 18-year period (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04). Factors associated with greater access to high-volume centers included greater county neurosurgeon density (OR: 1.72) and greater county home value (OR: 1.66). Factors associated with worse access included Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 0.68) and each 1% increase in foreign residents per county (OR: 0.59). All reported P values were <.05.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to high-volume neurooncological care exist for the pediatric population. We also identify numerous prehospital factors that potentially contribute to persistent disparities and may be amenable to change through national health policy interventions.