Yong Sang Lee

Robotic thyroid surgery using a gasless, transaxillary approach and the da Vinci S system: The operative outcomes of 338 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND Recently, robotic technology in the surgical area has gained wide popularity. However, in the filed of head and neck surgery, the applications of robotic instruments are problematic owing to spatial and technical limitations. The authors performed robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid operations in consecutive thyroid tumor patients using the newly introduced da Vinci S surgical system. Herein the authors describe the technique used and its utility for the operative management of thyroid tumors. METHODS From October 2007 to November 2008, 338 patients underwent robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid operations using a gasless, transaxillary approach. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to an open procedure. Patients clinicopathologic characteristics, operation types, operation times, the learning curve, and postoperative hospital stays and complications were evaluated. RESULTS The mean patient age was 40 years (range, 16-69) and the male to female ratio was 1:16.8. Two hundred and thirty-four patients underwent less than total and 104 underwent bilateral total thyroidectomy. Ipsilateral central compartment node dissection was conducted in all malignant cases. Mean operation time was 144.0 minutes (range, 69-347) and mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.3 days (range, 2-7). No serious postoperative complication occurred; there were 3 cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and 1 of Horners syndrome. CONCLUSION Our technique of robotic thyroid surgery using a gasless, transaxillary approach is feasible and safe in selected patients with a benign or malignant thyroid tumor.

Comparative study of endoscopic thyroidectomy versus conventional open thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the early surgical outcomes of endoscopic and conventional open thyroidectomies in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Clinicopathologic Implications of the BRAFV600E Mutation in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Subgroup Analysis of 3130 Cases in a Single Center

BACKGROUND The BRAF mutation has been shown to be associated with aggressive clinicopathologic characteristics of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, several studies that analyzed hundreds of patients have not demonstrated any correlation. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of the BRAF mutation with clinicopathologic factors in a large group of homogenous PTC patients. METHODS We collected data of PTC patients who received curative resection of the thyroid gland and who had undergone BRAF mutation tests of their thyroid cancer tissue. Minor variant PTCs and mixed-type thyroid cancers were excluded in this analysis. Clinicopathologic characteristics, including age, sex, BRAF mutation, tumor histology, size, extrathyroidal extension, tumor margin, lymph node metastasis, multifocality, stage, and associated thyroid disease, were collected. The relationship of the BRAF mutation with clinicopathologic factors was analyzed in each homogenous histologic PTC. RESULTS There were 3130 PTC patients who met the criteria, and these patients were divided into three major histologic groups: conventional PTC (n = 2947), diffuse sclerosing variant PTC (n = 98), and follicular variant PTC (n = 85). The BRAF mutation was variably detected in 75.3%, 61%, and 40% of patients, respectively. In conventional PTC cases, the BRAF mutation was significantly associated with large tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis. Coexistent chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis was significantly less prevalent in the BRAF mutant group. Age, sex, and tumor margin status were not significantly correlated with the BRAF status. There was no evidence that any clinicopathologic factors were linked with the BRAF mutation status in diffuse sclerosing and follicular variant PTCs. CONCLUSIONS The BRAF mutation was differentially detected in each histologic subtype of PTC and was strongly correlated with pathologic factors, most strongly with no coexistent chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, in conventional PTC. The BRAF mutation is suggested to be a poor prognostic marker in conventional PTC, and the BRAF mutational analysis may lead to better management for individual PTC patients.

Postoperative Complications of Thyroid Cancer in a Single Center Experience

The aim of this study was to investigate the complications following surgical treatment of thyroid cancer and the association between the extent of surgery and complication rates. A total of 2,636 patients who underwent surgery due to thyroid cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify surgical complications. Complication rates were assessed according to the extent of surgery, which was classified as follows; less-than-total thyroidectomy with central compartment node dissection (CCND) (Group I, n=636), total thyroidectomy with CCND (Group II, n=1,390), total thyroidectomy plus ipsilateral neck dissection (Group III, n=513), and total thyroidectomy plus bilateral neck dissection (Group IV, n=97). The most common surgical complication was symptomatic hypoparathyroidism, of which 28.4% of cases were transient and 0.3% permanent. The other surgical complications included vocal cord palsy (0.7% transient, and 0.2% permanent), hematoma (0.5%), seroma (4.7%), chyle fistula (1.8%), and Horners syndrome (0.2%). The complication rates increased significantly with increasing the extent of surgery from Group I to Group IV. The more extensive surgery makes more complications, such as hypoparathyroidism, seroma, and others.

Impact of Postthyroidectomy Scar on the Quality of Life of Thyroid Cancer Patients

Background Surgical scars are crucial cosmetic problem, especially when in exposed areas such as the anterior neck following thyroidectomy. Objective To evaluate the impact of post-thyroidectomy scars on quality of life (QoL) of thyroid cancer patients and identify the relationship between scar characteristics and QoL. Methods Patients with post-thyroidectomy scars on the neck were recruited. QoL was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Scar characteristics were graded according to Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score. Results Ninety-seven patients completed a battery of questions at the time of enrollment. Post-thyroidectomy scars were classified according to morphology as linear flat scars, linear bulging scars, hypertrophic scars or adhesive scars. There were 32 patients (33.0%), 9 patients (9.3%), 41 patients (42.3%) and 15 patients (15.5%), respectively, in each group. The mean total DLQI score was 9.02. Domain 2 (daily activities, 2.87 points), which includes questions about clothing, was the most greatly impacted among patients. The total DLQI scores of patients who have experienced scar-related symptoms were significantly higher than those of patients without symptoms (p<0.05). The VSS scores were 3.09 for linear flat scars, 6.89 for linear bulging scars, 6.29 for hypertrophic scars and 5.60 for adhesive scars. However, the DLQI scores did not significantly differ among scar types or VSS scores. Conclusion Post-thyroidectomy scars on the neck affect the QoL of thyroid cancer patients regardless of scar type. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to the psychological effects of scars on patients and take care to minimize post-thyroidectomy scar.

Risk factors for hypertrophic surgical scar development after thyroidectomy.

Postoperative neck scarring is a major concern for patients who undergo thyroid surgery; however, the treatments for hypertrophic scars are generally considered by patients to provide unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, risk factors should be identified and prevention of these factors is considered to be critical in management. We reviewed the medical records of 96 thyroidectomy patients who were divided into two groups based on scar type: patients with hypertrophic (n = 61) and linear flat scars (n = 35). Multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify risk factors for developing hypertrophic scar. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender ratio, tumor type, and type of operation. Multivariable analysis showed that hypertrophic scar development was associated with scars located within 1 cm above the sternal notch (odds ratio [OR] = 5.94, p = 0.01), prominent sternocleidomastoid muscles (OR = 12.03, p < 0.01), and a high body mass index (OR = 1.33, p = 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for risk factors was 0.85. Development of hypertrophic scar after thyroidectomy was found to be associated with specific preoperative factors such as incision site near the sternal notch, prominent sternocleidomastoid muscles, and high body mass index.

Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas Are Different from Latent Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas at Autopsy

The aim of this study was to review the literature of latent papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) discovered at autopsy and describe the available pathologic and demographic differences from a group of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) the reported in a previous publication. We searched the PubMed for published articles describing latent thyroid carcinomas detected at autopsy. Meta-analysis was performed to identify differences between the clinicopathologic features of PTMCs analyzed previously in our institution (Group I) and those of latent PTCs described in autopsy studies (Group II). We identified 1,355 patients with PTMC (Group I) and 989 with latent PTCs (Group II). Mean patient age was 47.3 yr in Group I and 64.5 yr in Group II. The male:female ratio was 1:10.9 in Group I and 1:1 in Group II. Most PTMCs (67.6%) were larger than 0.5 cm in size, whereas most latent PTCs were <1-3 mm in diameter. The rates of multifocality were 24.7% in Group I and 30.5% in Group II, and the rates of cervical lymph node metastasis were 33.4% in Group I and 10.0% in Group II. Currently available data indicated that clinically evident PTMCs differ from latent PTCs detected at autopsy. Therefore, these two entities should be regarded as different.

Relationship between Negative Mental Adjustment to Cancer and Distress in Thyroid Cancer Patients

Purpose Previous studies have reported that over a third of cancer patients experience significant psychological distress with diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Mental adjustment to cancer as well as other biologic and demographic factors may be associated with their distress. We investigated the relationship between mental adjustment and distress in patients with thyroid cancer prior to thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods One hundred and fifty-two thyroid cancer patients were included in the final analysis. After global distress levels were screened with a distress thermometer, patients were evaluated concerning mental adjustment to cancer, as well as demographic and cancer-related characteristics. A thyroid function test was also performed. Regression analysis was performed to discern significant factors associated with distress in thyroid cancer patients. Results Our regression model was significant and explained 38.5% of the total variance in distress of this patient group. Anxious-preoccupation and helpless-hopeless factors on the mental adjustment to cancer scale were significantly associated with distress in thyroid cancer patients. Conclusion Negative emotional response to cancer diagnosis may be associated with distress in thyroid cancer patients awaiting thyroidectomy. Screening of mental coping strategies at the beginning of cancer treatment may predict psychological distress in cancer patients. Further studies on the efficacy of psychiatric intervention during cancer treatment may be needed for patients showing maladaptive psychological responses to cancer.

Computed Tomography Is Useful for Preoperative Identification of Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid Cancer Patients

Objective. Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a risk factor for nerve injury during thyroid or parathyroid surgery and is usually associated with vascular anomalies. This study investigated the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) scans for preoperative identification of NRLN in thyroid cancer patients. Study Design. Case series with chart review. Setting. Academic university hospital. Subjects and Methods. Of the 6546 patients, 20 (0.3%) were intraoperatively identified with NRLN, and the medical records of 20 patients were reviewed retrospectively, with particular focus on preoperative CT findings. Results. All 20 cases were right-sided NRLN, and no clinical symptoms were observed preoperatively in any patient. Two patients had type I NRLN and 18 had type II NRLN. NRLN injury occurred in 1 patient at a point where the nerve was close to the superior thyroid artery. Prior to surgery, surgeons identified only 5 suspected NRLN cases based on identification of vascular anomalies on CT scans. However, this review of CT scans revealed that vascular anomalies could be identified on the scans of all patients. Conclusions. Neck CT scanning appears to be an excellent method for predicting NRLN cases. However, thorough examination of the scans, with particular attention to the neck and mediastinum vascular structures, is required.

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.