Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules (THYCOVID): a retrospective, international, multicentre, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Since its outbreak in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has diverted resources from non-urgent and elective procedures, leading to diagnosis and treatment delays, with an increased number of neoplasms at advanced stages worldwide. The aims of this study were to quantify the reduction in surgical activity for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to evaluate whether delays in surgery led to an increased occurrence of aggressive tumours.

METHODS

In this retrospective, international, cross-sectional study, centres were invited to participate in June 22, 2022; each centre joining the study was asked to provide data from medical records on all surgical thyroidectomies consecutively performed from Jan 1, 2019, to Dec 31, 2021. Patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules were divided into three groups according to when they underwent surgery: from Jan 1, 2019, to Feb 29, 2020 (global prepandemic phase), from March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021 (pandemic escalation phase), and from June 1 to Dec 31, 2021 (pandemic decrease phase). The main outcomes were, for each phase, the number of surgeries for indeterminate thyroid nodules, and in patients with a postoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancers, the occurrence of tumours larger than 10 mm, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases, vascular invasion, distant metastases, and tumours at high risk of structural disease recurrence. Univariate analysis was used to compare the probability of aggressive thyroid features between the first and third study phases. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05178186.

FINDINGS

Data from 157 centres (n=49 countries) on 87 467 patients who underwent surgery for benign and malignant thyroid disease were collected, of whom 22 974 patients (18 052 [78·6%] female patients and 4922 [21·4%] male patients) received surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules. We observed a significant reduction in surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the pandemic escalation phase (median monthly surgeries per centre, 1·4 [IQR 0·6-3·4]) compared with the prepandemic phase (2·0 [0·9-3·7]; p<0·0001) and pandemic decrease phase (2·3 [1·0-5·0]; p<0·0001). Compared with the prepandemic phase, in the pandemic decrease phase we observed an increased occurrence of thyroid tumours larger than 10 mm (2554 [69·0%] of 3704 vs 1515 [71·5%] of 2119; OR 1·1 [95% CI 1·0-1·3]; p=0·042), lymph node metastases (343 [9·3%] vs 264 [12·5%]; OR 1·4 [1·2-1·7]; p=0·0001), and tumours at high risk of structural disease recurrence (203 [5·7%] of 3584 vs 155 [7·7%] of 2006; OR 1·4 [1·1-1·7]; p=0·0039).

INTERPRETATION

Our study suggests that the reduction in surgical activity for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic period could have led to an increased occurrence of aggressive thyroid tumours. However, other compelling hypotheses, including increased selection of patients with aggressive malignancies during this period, should be considered. We suggest that surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules should no longer be postponed even in future instances of pandemic escalation.

FUNDING

None.

Telemedicine in Thai-otorhinolaryngology patients in COVID-19 situation; primary surveys

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on various aspects of hospital management due to high rates of infection and increased preventive measures around the world. Physicians and patients alike are susceptible to the ongoing virus causing concern leading to loss or postpone of follow up. Thailand has just start integration of digital solutions such as telemedicine which expected similar level of medical care and efficiency while reducing risk of exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

Evaluation the willingness to accept telemedicine in otorhinolaryngology patients during the peak COVID-19 outbreaks in our institution.

Methods

Collected data from all patients who had a schedule follow up for otorhinolaryngology department between the months of June to August, 2021 at out-patient Center.

Results

Total of 299 otorhinolaryngology patients included, 213 patients (71.2%) denied a virtual medical visit whereas 86 patients (28.8%) accepted. The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was the only group to have more acceptance of telemedicine, 79.5% than denying 20.5% with statistical significance (p < 0.01). Age difference between the accepting and declining group also showed statistical significance, 48.5 years and 56 years respectively (p < 0.01). Main Reasons for their decision, 48% of patients accepted due to experiencing clinical improvement and stability. The main reason for not accepting telemedicine was 80% of patients preferred a special otorhinolaryngologic examination on follow up.

Conclusions

This primary surveys among Thai otorhinolaryngology patients about telemedicine. The greater number of patients not interested in telemedicine due to requirement of otorhinolaryngologic examination. Which OSA follow-up patients have more attention in telemedicine.

Long-term outcomes of aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for treatment of recalcitrant laryngeal premalignant lesions

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term outcomes of ALA-PDT in treating recalcitrant laryngeal leukoplakia.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Case-Control.

METHODS

We reviewed all laryngeal leukoplakia patients treated with ALA-PDT compared with angiolytic laser treatment alone (585 nm PDL or 532 nm KTP laser) from 2000 to 2019. Patients with laryngeal cancer (or a history of laryngeal cancer), leukoplakia previously treated with radiation and no pathologic report were excluded. Patient demographics, procedure details and outcomes were examined including histopathologic diagnosis, procedures performed, ALA usage, recurrence of leukoplakia and the development of cancer.

RESULTS

We identified 132 patients with laryngeal leukoplakia: 42 were treated with ALA-PDT and 90 were treated with an angiolytic laser alone (Laser group). The proportion of cases of high-grade dysplasia was 57.1% in the ALA-PDT group compared to 32.2% in the Laser group. In high-grade dysplasia cases, there was a statistically significant better recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 12 months and 60 months in those who underwent ALA-PDT 71.4% and 7.1% vs Laser 25% and 0% (p = .01). However, for overall groups, there was no difference in RFS (p = .25). Voice outcomes (patient subjective report) improved or were stable in 75% of subjects with no serious side effects reported.

CONCLUSION

ALA-PDT for recalcitrant and high-grade dysplasia is highly effective with improved recurrence-free survival compared to laser alone. ALA-PDT may be an appropriate therapy in patients who have failed prior angiolytic laser alone.

A comparison of efficacy and quality of life between transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) and endoscopic thyroidectomy axillo-breast approach (ETABA) in thyroid surgery: non-randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Recently, there are many new surgical methods of endoscopic thyroidectomy, which have advantages in cosmetic results while do not increase the complication rates. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare both intra- and post-operative results and quality of life between TOETVA and endoscopic thyroidectomy axillo-breast approach (ETABA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A non-randomized, patient preference clinical trial was performed in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery department, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical center. Patients who decided to go for endoscopic thyroidectomy were allocated into two groups. Demographics data, operative time, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative pain score, length of hospital stay, complications were collected. Overall satisfaction was evaluated by visual analogue scale and quality of life was evaluated by SF-36 questionnaires.

RESULTS

22 patients were totally included and equally allocated in 2 groups (11 patients per group). All of the operations were lobectomy. There was no significant difference in demographic data. The results showed that pain score at 3 days post-operation and average pain score were significantly higher in TOETVA group. Average pain score was 3.67 ± 1.11 in ETABA group and 5.15 ± 1.35 in TOETVA (p = 0.011); however, the operative time, intra-operative blood loss, length of hospital stay, complications and overall satisfaction were not significantly different. Different change in the quality of life was not detected in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach and ETABA both have comparable results and do not worsen the quality of life.

Reliability of peak expiratory flow percentage compared to endoscopic grading in subglottic stenosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the reliability of pulmonary function testing compared to endoscopic grading in the assessment of subglottic stenosis.

METHODS

Consecutively treated patients with subglottic stenosis at a tertiary care specialty hospital from 2009 to 2019 were identified. Two fellowship-trained laryngologists and two otolaryngologists blinded to clinical history reviewed laryngo tracheoscopic examinations and assessed the degree of stenosis using the Cotton-Myer grading system (% stenosis). Nine full flow-volume loops were performed at the time of each exam.

RESULTS

The endoscopic images of 45 subjects were graded for degree of stenosis and the spirometry data were analyzed. The kappa values for Cotton-Myer grade overall was 0.37, grade I was -0.103, grade II was 0.052, and grade III was 0.045. The overall intraclass correlation of the physician grading of estimated percent obstruction (% stenosis) was 0.712 (P < .01) whereas the overall intraclass correlation for PEF% was 0.96 (P < .01). Within each Cotton-Myer grade, the intraclass correlation for % stenosis was 0.45 (P = .02) for grade I, 0.06 (P = .30) for grade II, and 0.16 (P = .03) for grade III. The intraclass correlation for PEF% for grade I was 0.97 (P < .01), grade II was 0.92 (P < .01), and grade III was 0.96 (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Cotton-Myer grading and estimating percent obstruction (% stenosis) for adult subglottic stenosis showed poor reliability as an assessment tool compared to the excellent intraclass correlation seen with pulmonary function tests within each Cotton-Myer grade subgroup. We recommend pulmonary function testing, specifically PEF% because it is a normalized value, for the assessment and management of subglottic stenosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

The Poor Validity of Asymmetric Laryngoscopic Findings in Predicting Laterality in Vocal Fold Paresis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the laryngoscopic findings most predictive of laterality in vocal fold paresis in patients with known RLN and/or SLN paresis by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG).

STUDY DESIGN

Blinded, prospective video perceptual analysis study.

METHODS

Patients with vocal fold paresis diagnosed by LEMG at a tertiary care hospital from 2017 to 2019 were identified. Two fellowship-trained laryngologists blinded to clinical history and LEMG results reviewed laryngostroboscopic examinations and assessed for evidence of paresis using defined criteria. Inclusion criteria were adults with laryngeal asymmetry and evidence of decreased recruitment on LEMG. Exclusion criteria were children, presence of laryngeal lesions, myasthenia gravis, vocal fold paralysis, and normal laryngeal symmetry.

RESULTS

We identified 95 patients who were diagnosed with vocal fold paresis with LEMG who met inclusion and exclusion criteria (mean age 43.8 ± 20.4 years (18-88), 38.9% male). When comparing the laterality of the observed laryngoscopic finding with LEMG, we found that in patients who had severe true vocal fold (TVF) range of motion disturbance, the laterality of the finding matched the LEMG distribution of paresis in 12 out of 13 (92.3%) patients (P = 0.002). No other laryngoscopic findings reliably predicted laterality including corniculate and cuneiform cartilage asymmetry, pyriform sinus dilation, abnormal TVF show, petiole deviation, abnormal ventricular show, increased supraglottic area, and FVF hyperfunction of the opposite side.

CONCLUSION

With the exception of severe TVF range of motion disturbance, there seems to be poor validity of laryngoscopic findings in predicting the affected side in vocal fold paresis. We recommend neurophysiologic testing to confirm the clinical diagnosis of vocal fold paresis.