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Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2023Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a well and long-known complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery that significantly affects the quality of life of... (Review)
Review
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a well and long-known complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Despite the advances in surgical techniques and technology, it still occurs in clinical practice either as temporary paresis or as permanent paralysis of the corresponding vocal cord. The purpose of the current systematic review is to examine the value of intraoperative repair of the RLN in voice restoration. A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. The systematic review resulted in 18 studies, which met the inclusion criteria. An improvement in phonatory function and voice quality was observed in all these studies after immediate RLN reconstruction (not always statistically significant). This improvement appears to be comparable to or even higher than that achieved with other methods of repair, and in some cases, the improvement approaches levels found in normal subjects. Intraoperative RLN reconstruction is not widely used in clinical practice, but the evidence so far makes it a viable and safe alternative to traditional techniques with better long-term results, as it prevents the occurrence of atrophy of the vocal cord and should be considered in the operating room if possible.
PubMed: 36769864
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031212 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A meta-analysis of the literature was performed using the key words "papillary thyroid carcinomas" and "lymph node ecisions" for searches of electronic databases. Complications such as transient hypocalcemia, permanent hypocalcemia, transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism, transient and permanent vocal cord paralysis, transient recurrent and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and local recurrence were pooled by meta-analysis. Stata17.0 was used to carry out the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Data were extracted from 15 studies. In the present review, the group of patients who had total thyroidectomy (TT) with PCND had a lower local recurrence than the group with TT alone (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.10-0.45, P = 0.000), whereas the incidence of permanent hypocalcemia (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.05-17.22, P = 0.043) and transient hypoparathyroidism (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.34-3.42, P =0.001) were higher. No significant differences were recorded in the incidence of other complications: transient hypocalcemia (OR 2.24, 95% CI 0.77-6.51, P = 0.138), permanent hypoparathyroidism (OR 1.70, 95% CI 0.89-3.27, P = 0.111), transient vocal cord paralysis (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.78-2.83, P = 0.231), permanent vocal cord paralysis (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.53-3.94, P = 0.477), transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.93-2.32, P = 0.102) and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.56-2.74, P = 0.587) between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Compared with TT alone, TT with PCND was more effective in reducing local recurrence without increasing the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve, thyroid and vocal cord, except for hypocalcemia and transient hypoparathyroidism. Therefore, we believe that TT with PCND should be recommended for patients with cN0 PTC.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD4202 2355078.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; Neck Dissection; Thyroid Neoplasms; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Hypocalcemia; Carcinoma, Papillary; Treatment Outcome; Hypoparathyroidism
PubMed: 36733809
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1094012 -
Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola 2016The risk of producing bilateral laryngeal paralysis (BLP) in total thyroidectomy (TT) is low, but it is a concern for the surgeon and a serious safety incident that may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
The risk of producing bilateral laryngeal paralysis (BLP) in total thyroidectomy (TT) is low, but it is a concern for the surgeon and a serious safety incident that may compromise the airway, require reintubation or tracheostomy and cause serious sequelae or death. Neuromonitoring (NM), as an early diagnostic tool for the existence of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), has not been shown to have reduced the risk, even though published series show lower incidences. Our objective was to estimate the risk of bilateral RLN paralysis with and without NM TT by systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHOD
We performed a systematic review of clinical trials, cohort studies and case series with total thyroidectomy without NM published in the period 2000-2014. A database search was performed using PubMed, Scopus (EMBASE) and the Cochrane Library. Heterogeneity between studies was explored and weighted risks grouped according to random effects models were estimated.
RESULTS
We selected 40 articles and estimates of risk were identified in 54 case series (without NM, 25; with NM, 29) with 30,922 patients. The prevalence of BLP in the series with NM was lower compared to that without NM (2.43‰, [1.55 to 3.5‰] versus 5.18‰ [2.53 to 8.7‰]). This difference is equivalent to an absolute risk reduction of 2.75‰ with a number needed to treat of 364.13. The NM group was more homogeneous (I2=7.52%) than those without NM (I2=79.32%). The observed differences in the subgroup analysis were very imprecise because the number of observed paralysis was very low.
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of bilateral paralysis is lower in studies with neuromonitoring.
Topics: Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Recurrence; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Thyroidectomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 26025358
DOI: 10.1016/j.otorri.2015.02.001 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... May 2022Transient or permanent damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroidectomy is of paramount importance for patient quality of life. The aim of this study... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Transient or permanent damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroidectomy is of paramount importance for patient quality of life. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature concerning the role of the most popular energy-based vessel-sealing devices (LigaSure™ (LS) and Harmonic Scalpel (HS)) in preservation of the RLN during thyroidectomy. The safety and inferiority or superiority of LS and HS compared with conventional haemostatic techniques are highlighted.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was performed. Clinical trials, prospective and retrospective studies that significantly compared the use of LS and HS with conventional haemostasis regarding the postoperative incidence of RLN palsy were included.
FINDINGS
The search resulted in 43 studies, including 17,953 patients treated using energy-based devices or conventional haemostatic methods. Concerning the incidence of RLN palsy, 40 studies showed no significant difference between the energy-based device and conventional groups, whereas two studies demonstrated a significant superiority in performance for LS and HS compared with conventional haemostasis. Only one study exhibited significant inferiority of LS and HS compared with conventional methods. No statistical relationship was observed between energy-based devices and conventional techniques regarding permanent damage to the RLN.
CONCLUSION
The performance of both LS and HS shows no inferiority compared with conventional haemostatic techniques, regarding damage to the laryngeal nerve. Further well-designed studies are needed to investigate their potential benefit in preservation of the RLN.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Retrospective Studies; Thyroidectomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 34415202
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0125 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Jun 2022Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) have been associated with increased thyroid cancer incidence in recent decades. Total thyroidectomy (TT) has historically been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) have been associated with increased thyroid cancer incidence in recent decades. Total thyroidectomy (TT) has historically been the primary treatment, but current guidelines recommend hemithyroidectomy (HT) for select low-risk cancers; however, the risk-benefit ratio of the 2 operations is incompletely characterized.
OBJECTIVE
To compare surgical complication rates between TT and HT for PTMC treatment.
DATA SOURCES
SCOPUS, Medline via the PubMed interface, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); through January 1, 2021, with no starting date restriction. Terms related to papillary thyroid carcinoma and its treatment were used for article retrieval. This meta-analysis used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline and was written according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) proposal.
STUDY SELECTION
Original investigations of adults reporting primary surgical treatment outcomes in PTMC and at least 1 complication of interest were included. Articles evaluating only secondary operations or non-open surgical approaches were excluded. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed by 2 independent reviewers and conflicts resolved by a senior reviewer.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Pooled effect estimates were calculated using a random-effects inverse-variance weighting model.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Cancer recurrence and site, mortality (all-cause and disease-specific), vocal fold paralysis, hypoparathyroidism, and hemorrhage/hematoma. Risk of bias was assessed using the McMaster Quality Assessment Scale of Harms scale.
RESULTS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 17 studies were analyzed and included 1416 patients undergoing HT and 2411 patients undergoing TT (HT: pooled mean [SD] age, 47.0 [10.0] years; 1139 [84.6%] were female; and TT: pooled mean [SD] age, 48.8 [10.0] years; 1671 [77.4%] were female). Patients undergoing HT had significantly lower risk of temporary vocal fold paralysis compared with patients undergoing TT (3.3% vs 4.5%) (weighted risk ratio [RR], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7), temporary hypoparathyroidism (2.2% vs 21.3%) (weighted RR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.0-0.4), and permanent hypoparathyroidism (0% vs 1.8%) (weighted RR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.0-0.8). Contralateral lobe malignant neoplasm recurrence was 2.3% in the HT group, while no such events occurred in the TT group. Hemithyroidectomy was associated with a higher overall recurrence rate (3.8% vs 1.0%) (weighted RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.4), but there was no difference in recurrence in the thyroid bed or neck.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis help characterize current knowledge of the risk-benefit ratio of HT vs TT for treatment of PTMC and provide data that may have utility for patient counseling surrounding treatment decisions.
Topics: Carcinoma, Papillary; Female; Humans; Hypoparathyroidism; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Observational Studies as Topic; Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroidectomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 35511129
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.0621 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022This meta-analysis evaluated the short-term safety and efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in gastric reconstruction to determine a suitable anastomotic...
OBJECTIVES
This meta-analysis evaluated the short-term safety and efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in gastric reconstruction to determine a suitable anastomotic position during esophagectomy.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes 2020 (PRISMA) were followed for this analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 9 publications including 1,162 patients were included. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were comparable in the ICG and control groups. There was also no significant difference in overall postoperative mortality, reoperation, arrhythmia, vocal cord paralysis, pneumonia, and surgical wound infection. The ICG group had a 2.66-day reduction in postoperative stay. The overall anastomotic leak (AL) was 17.6% (n = 131) in the control group and 4.5% (n = 19) in the ICG group with a relative risk (RR) of 0.29 (95% CI 0.18-0.47). A subgroup analysis showed that the application of ICG in cervical anastomosis significantly reduced the incidence of AL (RR of 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.52), but for intrathoracic anastomosis, the RR 0.35 was not significant (95% CI 0.09-1.43). Compared to an RR of 0.35 in publications with a sample size of <50, a sample size of >50 had a lower RR of 0.24 (95% CI 0.12-0.48). Regarding intervention time of ICG, the application of ICG both before and after gastric construction had a better RR of 0.25 (95% CI 0.07-0.89).
CONCLUSIONS
The application of ICG fluorescence could effectively reduce the incidence of AL and shorten the postoperative hospital stay for patients undergoing cervical anastomosis but was not effective for patients undergoing intrathoracic anastomosis. The application of ICG fluorescence before and after gastric management can better prevent AL.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD:42021244819.
PubMed: 35719988
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.847510 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jan 2024Emerging remote-access surgical methods are utilized to treat differentiated thyroid cancer. The study aimed to compare the surgical integrity, safety, efficacy, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Emerging remote-access surgical methods are utilized to treat differentiated thyroid cancer. The study aimed to compare the surgical integrity, safety, efficacy, and postoperative experience of patients among common surgical methods.
METHODS
The PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched from their inception until March 2023. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to illuminate the probability that each method would be the best for each outcome.
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies comprising 7042 patients were included. Robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach (RBABA) and robotic gasless transaxillary approach (RGAA) retrieved fewer lymph nodes (LNs) than open thyroidectomy (OT). RBABA showed a significantly lower permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy rate than OT. According to SUCRA values, endoscopic transoral approach (EOA) ranked the highest in retrieved LNs (0.84), the proportion of stimulated serum thyroglobulin less than 1.0 ng/ml (0.77), and the pain score (0.77). Endoscopic bilateral areola approach (EBAA) ranked the highest in the transient RLN palsy rate (0.72). The endoscopic gasless transaxillary approach (EGAA) ranked the highest in the transient hypoparathyroidism rate (0.78). RBABA ranked the highest in the rate of permanent RLN palsy (0.94) and hypoparathyroidism (0.77). OT ranked the highest in operative time (0.92).
CONCLUSIONS
Each surgical method of total thyroidectomy has benefits and limitations. EOA performed the best in maintaining surgical integrality and reducing the pain score, while taking a long operative time. Generally, RBABA showed the best advantage in protecting parathyroid glands and RLN but with the longest operative time. OT had the best advantage in operative time. Therefore, OT and EOA are ideal methods for patients with a higher risk of central LN metastasis. RBABA and EOA may not be suitable for elderly patients or those with high anesthesia risk.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Thyroidectomy; Bayes Theorem; Network Meta-Analysis; Thyroid Neoplasms; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Hypoparathyroidism; Adenocarcinoma; Pain; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37916941
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000819 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2015Total thyroidectomy (TT) and subtotal thyroidectomy (ST) are worldwide treatment options for multinodular non-toxic goitre in adults. Near TT, defined as a postoperative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Total thyroidectomy (TT) and subtotal thyroidectomy (ST) are worldwide treatment options for multinodular non-toxic goitre in adults. Near TT, defined as a postoperative thyroid remnant less than 1 mL, is supposed to be a similarly effective but safer option than TT. ST has been shown to be marginally safer than TT, but it may leave an undetected thyroid cancer in place.
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to assess the effects of total or near-total thyroidectomy compared to subtotal thyroidectomy for multinodular non-toxic goitre.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, as well as the ICTRP Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. The date of the last search was 18 June 2015 for all databases. No language restrictions were applied.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Two review authors independently scanned the abstract, title or both sections of every record retrieved to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on thyroidectomy for multinodular non-toxic goitre for further assessment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data, assessed studies for risk of bias and evaluated overall study quality utilising the GRADE instrument. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes. A random-effects model was used for pooling data.
MAIN RESULTS
We examined 1430 records, scrutinized 14 full-text publications and included four RCTs. Altogether 1305 participants entered the four trials, 543 participants were randomised to TT and 762 participants to ST. A total of 98% and 97% of participants finished the trials in the TT and ST groups, respectively. Two trials had a duration of follow-up between 12 and 39 months and two trials a follow-up of 5 and 10 years, respectively. Risk of bias across studies was mainly unknown for selection, performance and detection bias. Attrition bias was generally low and reporting bias high for some outcomes. In the short-term postoperative period no deaths were reported for both TT and ST groups. However, longer-term data on all-cause mortality were not reported (1284 participants; 4 trials; moderate quality evidence). Goiter recurrence was lower in the TT group compared to ST. Goiters recurred in 0.2% (1/425) of the TT group compared to 8.4% (53/632) of the ST group (OR 0.05 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.21); P < 0.0001; 1057 participants; 3 trials; moderate quality evidence). Re-intervention due to goitre recurrence was lower in the TT group compared to ST. Re-intervention was necessary in 0.5% (1/191) of TT patients compared to 0.8% (3/379)of ST patients (OR 0.66 (95% CI 0.07 to 6.38); P = 0.72; 570 participants; 1 trial; low quality evidence). The incidence of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was lower for ST compared with TT. Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 0.8% (6/741) of ST patients compared to 0.7% (4/543) of TT patients (OR 1.28, (95% CI 0.38 to 4.36); P = 0.69; 1275 participants; 4 trials; low quality evidence). The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was lower for ST compared with TT. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 0.1% (1/741) of ST patients compared to 0.6% (3/543) of TT patients (OR 3.09 (95% CI 0.45 to 21.36); P = 0.25; 1275 participants: 4 trials; low quality evidence). The incidence of thyroid cancer was lower for ST compared with TT. Thyroid cancer occurred in 6.1% (41/669) of ST patients compared to 7.3% (34/465)of TT patients (OR 1.32 (95% CI 0.81 to 2.15); P = 0.27; 1134 participants; 3 trials; low quality evidence). No data on health-related quality of life or socioeconomic effects were reported in the included studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The body of evidence on TT compared with ST is limited. Goiter recurrence is reduced following TT. The effects on other key outcomes such as re-interventions due to goitre recurrence, adverse events and thyroid cancer incidence are uncertain. New long-term RCTs with additional data such as surgeons level of experience, treatment volume of surgical centres and details on techniques used are needed.
Topics: Adult; Goiter, Nodular; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Reoperation; Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroidectomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 26252202
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010370.pub2 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Jun 2017Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is one of the most common and detrimental complications following thyroidectomy. Intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The current state of intermittent intraoperative neural monitoring for prevention of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroidectomy: a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses.
PURPOSE
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is one of the most common and detrimental complications following thyroidectomy. Intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring (I-IONM) has been proposed to reduce prevalence of RLN injury following thyroidectomy and has gained increasing acceptance in recent years.
METHODS
A comprehensive database search was performed, and data from eligible meta-analyses meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted. Transient, permanent, and overall RLN injuries were the primary outcome measures. Quality assessment via AMSTAR, heterogeneity appraisal, and selection of best evidence was performed via a Jadad algorithm.
RESULTS
Eight meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses included between 6 and 23 original studies each. Via utilization of the Jadad algorithm, the selection of best evidence resulted in choosing of Pisanu et al. (Surg Res 188:152-161, 2014). Five out of eight meta-analyses demonstrated non-significant (p > 0.05) RLN injury reduction with the use of I-IONM versus nerve visualization alone.
CONCLUSIONS
To date, I-IONM has not achieved a significant level of RLN injury reduction as shown by the meta-analysis conducted by Pisanu et al. (Surg Res 188:152-161, 2014). However, most recent developments of IONM technology including continuous vagal IONM and concept of staged thyroidectomy in case of loss of signal on the first side in order to prevent bilateral RLN injury may provide additional benefits which were out of the scope of this study and need to be assessed in further prospective multicenter trials.
Topics: Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring; Postoperative Complications; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Thyroidectomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 28378238
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-017-1580-y -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Mar 2021Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common immune-mediated diseases. It makes thyroid surgery more complicated and difficult because there may be adhesions... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common immune-mediated diseases. It makes thyroid surgery more complicated and difficult because there may be adhesions between the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. However, it is still controversial whether HT patients carry a high risk for postoperative complications of thyroid surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of HT for the postoperative complications of thyroid surgery.
METHODS
A search for studies assessing the postoperative complication risks of HT patients compared with that of patients with benign nodules (BNs) was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Nine studies (20,118 cases, 1,582 cases of HT and 18,536 cases of BN) were identified, and the data from the relevant outcomes were extracted and analysed.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the HT group and BN group in recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (PHP). The rate of transient hypocalcaemia (THC) was significantly higher in the HT group (16.85%) than in the BN group (13.20%).
CONCLUSIONS
The meta-analysis showed that HT only increased the risk of the postoperative complication THC compared to BN. Understanding the significance of HT in postoperative hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery would help clinicians perform sufficient preoperative (and postoperative) assessments and to optimise surgical planning.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Hashimoto Disease; Humans; Hypocalcemia; Hypoparathyroidism; Postoperative Complications; Thyroid Nodule; Thyroidectomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 33645288
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.7013