ObjectiveTo investigate the value of central lymph node dissection in patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma. MethodThe clinical data of 128 patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma who had been performed central lymph node dissection during their hospitalization from December 2010 to July 2012 in Chinese PLA General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsThe central neck lymph node metastasis rate was 35.94%(46/128) in 128 patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma, which in the patients with aged less than 45 years, with the tumor diameter larger than 1 cm, and with capsule or extrathyroidal invasion were significantly higher than those in the patients with aged larger than 45 years, with the tumor diameter less than 1 cm, and without capsule or extrathyroidal invasion (P < 0.05). After the operation, there were 22(17.19%) patients with temporary hypoparathyroidism as well as 3(2.34%) patients with temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. However, no permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred. During the 14-32 months follow-up with an average 23.4 months, 2 cases of lateral neck lymph node metastases were observed. ConclusionAs an essential, effective, and safe operation to the patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma, central lymph node dissection should be performed by experienced hands.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical and pathological features of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, and to assess the value and safety of total thyroidectomy plus prophylactic central lymph node dissection in the treatment of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma. MethodsClinical data of 103 patients with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, who underwent total thyroidectomy plus prophylactic central lymph node dissection in Affliated Dongfeng Hospital from June 2011 to February 2015 were collected retrospectively. Preoperative ultrasound showed that all patients didn't suffered from cervical lymph node metastasis. ResultsAmong 103 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy plus central lymph node dissection, the unilateral multiple lesions were found in 55 patients (53.40%), and the bilateral multiple lesions were found in 48 patients (46.60%). A total of 31 patients (30.10%) were confirmed to have central lymph node metastasis after operation, central lymph node metastasis only located in the same side of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma in 16 patients (29.10%), but of 15 patients (31.25%) with 2-side of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, 7 patients suffered from 2-side central lymph node metastasis and 8 patients suffered from 1-side central lymph node metastasis. Thirty patients (12.62%) suffered from transient postoperative hypocalcemia after operation, and returned to normal for longest of 2 weeks; 1 patient (0.97%) suffered from parathyroid permanent damage; 18 patients (17.48%) suffered from transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, no one suffered from permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury; 3 patients (2.91%) suffered from postoperative transient drinking cough. All of 103 patients were followed up for 5 months to 4 years, and the postoperative follow-up rate was 100%. During the follow-up period, 3 patients (2.91%) suffered from cervical lymph node metastasis in side region of neck. ConclusionTotal thyroidectomy plus prophylactic central lymph node dissection plays an important role in the treatment of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma.
ObjectiveTo discuss whether central lymph node dissection (CLND) should be performed for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. MethodsThe related domestic and foreign literatures were retrieved, the necessity of CLND and the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury in CLND were reviewed, and the application value of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) in CLND were analyzed. Results① CLND can reduce the recurrence rate of PTC, improve postoperative survival rate, ease the difficulty of reoperation, and help to clarify tumor stage. ② CLND can increase the risk of RLN injury. ③ Application of INOM can decrease the risk of RLN injury. ConclusionsThe application of IONM during CLND effectively decrease the risk of RLN injury for surgeons, especially low seniority surgeons, and improve the survival quality and the prognosis. This combination will promote the implementation of routine CLND therapeutic strategy in thyroid cancer patients.