Laser Ablation Treatment of Recurrent Lymph Node Metastases from Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

(1) Background: The incidence of papillary thyroid cancers is increasing. Papillary neoplasm metastasizes to the central and lateral lymph nodes of the neck. The recurrence rate is less than 30%. The gold standard of treatment for lymph node recurrences is surgery, but surgery is burdened by a high rate of complications. Therefore, laser ablation of recurrent lymph nodes has been recognized as an alternative treatment with minimal invasiveness, a low complication rate and a curative effect. (2) Methods: We analyzed 10 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy and metabolic radiotherapy and who developed a lymph node recurrence in the laterocervical compartment in the following 12-18 months. (3) Results: Patients developed lymph node recurrence at IV and Vb levels in 70% and 30% of cases, respectively. All patients were treated with a single laser ablative session. Hydrodissection was performed in all patients. The energy delivered was 1120 ± 159.3 Joules and 3-4 Watts in 362 ± 45.7 s. No complications were reported. All patients underwent a 6-month follow-up. A volumetric reduction of 40.12 ± 2.2%, 49.1 ± 2.13% and 59.8 ± 3.05%, respectively at 1-, 3- and 6-months of follow-up was reported. (4) Conclusions: At 6 months, a fine needle aspiration was performed, which was negative for malignant cells and negative for a dosage of Thyroglobulin in eluate. The laser ablation is an effective alternative to surgical treatment.

The Ablation of Thyroid Nodule's Afferent Arteries Before Radiofrequency Ablation: Preliminary Data.

Induced radiofrequency thermal ablation is the cytoreductive treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules, metastatic and recurrent thyroid tumors and papillary thyroid microcarcinomas. It is a safe and effective alternative to surgery and it allows to obtain satisfactory results in terms of volumetric reduction of the nodule with significant improvement in the quality of life. The trans-isthmic approach and the moving shot technique are the two basic techniques; however, an advanced technique, artery-first feeding radiofrequency ablation, has been developed and validated. We have prospectively included 29 consecutive patients who have undergone radiofrequency ablation (Group A) or artery- first vRFA (Group B). All included patients had a diagnosis of benign nodular goiter and they underwent a single session of radiofrequency ablation. All patients followed a follow-up program at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Continuous variables (age, TSH value, basal volume of nodule, used Joule, time in second of the procedure, nodules' volume at 1-, 3-, and 6- months of follow-up and percentage of volume reduction at 1-, 3-, and 6- months of follow-up) were described as mean, standard deviation and range, while categorical variables (gender, nodule structure and nodule vascularization) were described as number of cases and percentage. Independent samples t-test were performed to compare the continuous variables. A Test of Proportions was applied to the categorical variables. The Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the gender. Statistical significance was considered in case of p-value <0.05. Solid structure and spongiform structure showed statistic differences with p-values of 0.022 and 0.023 respectively between two groups. The percentage of reduction at 1 month did not show a significant difference between two groups; instead, the percentage of volume reduction was decreased mostly in the Group B at 3 months and 6 months of follow-up with a p-value of 0.003 and 0.013, respectively. The Joules/energy used showed a statistically significant difference (p-value=0.05), more energy must be used in vascular radiofrequency ablation. These data allow us to hypothesize that vRFA may improve the effectiveness of the procedure, allowing for a reduction in volume more quickly. They were preliminary but promising results, clearly a larger series of cases and prolonged follow-up are needed to clarify and confirm our observations.

Persistent hypercalcitoninemia in patients with medullary thyroid cancer.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a highly malignant and progressive disease. Surgery is the only effective treatment. Calcitonin is a significant marker for medullary thyroid carcinoma, and due to its sensitivity it represents a useful tool for the follow-up. The outcome of patients affected by medullary thyroid carcinoma depends on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and adequacy of primary surgical management. In the present study, the authors reviewed their own experience in the cure of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Forty-one patients operated for sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma were included. Indications for surgery, inclusive of lymphectomy techniques, timing of redo surgery, and the meaning of calcitonin levels in highlighting disease are extensively discussed. Patients with elevated calcitonin levels and favorable outcome are considered, together with the various diagnostic tools to be employed during patient workup.

Surgical treatment of intrathyroid metastases: preliminary results of a multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Intrathyroid metastases (ITM) are rare and usually have a dismal prognosis. The aim of this study was to detect which neoplasms metastasize most often to the thyroid gland, their clinical features and treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical files of 17,122 patients submitted to surgery for thyroid disease between 1995 and 2005. Twenty-five patients (median age 61 years) were affected by ITM. RESULTS: The site of the primary tumor was: kidney (15), lung (4), colon (3), breast (1), melanoma (1), and unknown in 1 patient. Ten patients (40%) complained of preoperative symptoms, in the others, thyroid involvement was incidentally discovered during the follow-up for the primary cancer. Twenty patients (80%) underwent total thyroidectomy, 3 received thyroid lobectomy and 2 palliative procedures. Morbidity was 16%, mortality was nil. The median follow-up was 24 months. CONCLUSION: ITM should always be suspected in any patient with a previous history of malignancy. Fine-needle agobiopsy (FNAB) with immunohistochemical stains may help in preoperative workup. A long delay between the primary tumor and the recurrence warrants surgery and total thyroidectomy seems to be the treatment of choice because of the multifocality of metastasis to the thyroid gland.

[Molecular medicine in thyroid surgery]. / Medicina molecolare in chirurgia della tiroide.

Cancer originates from a single cell which, through the acquisition of mutations in genes for key growth and survival factors, undergoes clonal expansion. Study of the genome allowed the detection of genes whose mutation is involved in tumour formation. In detail, in most thyroid neoplasms we are now able to identify the genes which cause cancer initiation. Moreover, correlations between mutations and clinico-pathological features of the tumours have been revealed. Thus, the genetic study of tumours is not anymore only a scientific curiosity, but a useful tool for the formulation of the more efficacious therapeutic and follow-up strategies. In this review we will summarize the more recent molecular medicine acquisitions in the thyroid cancer field and will describe their present and eventually future impact on the activity of the endocrine surgeon.

[Non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerves and sympathetic-inferior laryngeal anastomotic branches: 6 years' personal experience]. / Il nervo laringeo inferiore non ricorrente e le anastomosi con il simpatico cervicale. La nostra esperienza di 6 anni.

The incidence and possible association of inferior laryngeal nerve and sympathetic anastomotic branch anomalies were evaluated in this study. Non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerves stem from vascular anomalies involving the right subclavian artery and aortic arches during embryological development. These anomalies usually have no functional consequences (except for occasional dysphagia), but are potentially dangerous during thyroid surgery, occurring in about 1% of cases. Sympathetic-inferior laryngeal anastomotic branches are described in about 1.5% of cases, and may be confused with non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerves. 1473 patients submitted to total thyroidectomy for benign disease over the period 2001-2006 were evaluated. Four non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerves (incidence: 0.27%) and 11 sympathetic-inferior laryingeal anastomotic branches (incidence: 0.74%) were observed. Out of a total of 25 definitive inferior laryngeal nerve lesions, 1 occurred in a case of non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve. Awareness of the anatomical anomalies described and accurate surgical technique, including a constant search for the inferior laryngeal nerve, are the requirements for identification of non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerves and sympathetic-inferior laryngeal anastomotic branches. During the pre-operative workup, ultrasonographic study of the right subclavian artery may be advisable in order to rule out alterations of its origin and course.

[Intraoperative ultrasonography in the surgery of recurrence of well differentiated thyroid cancer]. / L'ecografia intraoperatoria nella chirurgia delle recidive del cancro differenziato della tiroide.

Surgical resection is the only curative treatment option for local recurrence of well differentiated thyroid cancer. In our experience, we found that intraoperative ultrasonography can be of significant help in facilitating the localisation and complete resection of lesions. From 2005 to 2006, 12 patients with well differentiated thyroid tumour recurrences underwent intraoperative ultrasonography. Recurrences were easily identified and resected in all patients. Postoperative thyreoglobulin was not detected. Intraoperative ulrasonography can be of significant help in the identification of well differeniated thyroid tumour recurrences, particularly when the cancer is smaller than 10 mm in diameter, and can facilitate a more radical excision of the tumour.

[Locally advanced breast cancer in elderly patients: treatment standardised or tailored to individual needs?]. / Cancro della mammella localmente avanzato nell'età senile: trattamento standardizzabile o modulato?

Breast cancer in elderly patients occurs frequently and is often inadequately managed. Furthermore, for organizational and social reasons, the incidence of locally advanced neoplasms is higher in this age group than in the younger population. The aim of the study was to assess our experience in this specific pathology and review the international literature on this topic. From 2001 to 2005 116 cases of breast cancer in elderly women (70-95 years old) were observed by our surgical units. Of these, 38 were at a locally advanced stage (10--26.3%--stage IIIA, 28--73.7%--stage IIIB). Comorbidity (two or more diseases) existed in 32 patients. A Madden modified radical mastectomy was carried out in all cases. Resection was extended to the chest-wall tissues in cases of local infiltration. Surgical mortality was 10% (4 cases). Eight of the 34 patients discharged died within 24 months (2 of disease progression). Adjuvant chemotherapy was never offered. On the other hand, all patients received hormone therapy (tamoxifen). 10 of the 26 patients (38.4%) surviving over 2 years underwent redo surgery for local relapse of disease. Our conclusions are: 1) breast cancer in elderly patients is often underestimated and undertreated; 2) disease management cannot be standardized, but must be tailored to the single patient; 3) short- and medium-term results are satisfactory; 4) comorbidity must be carefully assessed.

[Quality sharing between the national health service and citizens: a diagnostic and therapeutic planning experience at the "S. Maria" Hospital in Terni]. / La qualità condivisa fra servizio sanitario nazionale e cittadini: Esperienza di un percorso diagnostico terapeutico nell'azienda ospedaliera "S. Maria" di Terni.

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Programs are instruments of clinical management. The authors report on their experience with the construction of a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Program in the field of breast cancer. This is the result of collaboration between the Breast Unit, an administrative team and a computer team at the "S. Maria" Hospital in Terni. The implementation of the guidelines in the hospital setting makes it possible to systematise the clinical activities, to quantify the economic impact for each disease, and to plan any changes in the use of resources. The application of this method, moreover, makes it possible to develop a common language between medical and nursing staff which can be easily understood by the patients and to inform patients adequately with regard to the diagnostic and therapeutic program they will have to comply with for their respective conditions.

[Role of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism]. / Ruolo della chirurgia mininvasiva nel trattamento dell'iperparatiroidismo primitivo.

The minimally invasive approach to parathyroid surgery is considered an efficient alternative to traditional cervicotomy when the pre-operative diagnostic work-up indicates a single parathyroid adenoma. Imaging techniques (ultrasound, SPECT), on the one hand, and intraoperative diagnostic techniques (radio-guided surgery, intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay), on the other, contribute to the success and development of specialized centres which prefer to use this type of surgery. The postoperative pain control and aesthetic results achieved with these techniques are today the main subjects of interest in the minimally invasive approach.

[Diagnostic-therapeutic pathways as instruments of clinical management: experience at the S. Maria Hospital in Terni]. / Percorsi diagnostico-terapeutici quale strumento del governo clinico. Esperienza dell'Azienda Ospedaliera S. Maria di Terni.

Diagnostic-therapeutic itineraries and treatment profiles are instruments of clinical management. The authors report on their experience with the experimental creation of such itineraries in thyroid nodular pathology. These are the fruit of collaboration between the management team, endocrinological surgeons, and the hospital computer staff. The drawing-up of guidelines in the hospital setting allows the systematic organisation of clinical activities to be accomplished in the health-care facility, quantifying costs for all diseases in order to be able to plan and implement changes in resources and staff utilisation. Application of the method, in addition, helps to develop a common language among hospital doctors and nurses, facilitates proper communication with patients, and ensures adequate patient information regarding the clinical itinerary the patient will have to take for his or her condition.

Negative preoperative localization studies are highly predictive of multiglandular disease in sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The development of localization studies and quick parathyroid hormone assay (QPTH) has allowed the development of focused surgery in sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether localization studies select a specific population of patients. METHODS: From 1999 to 2001, 213 patients underwent surgery for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. All were investigated with sestamibi scanning and ultrasonography. When at least 1 study showed a positive result (n=175), the patient underwent a video-assisted approach with QPTH. When results were negative (n=38), the patient underwent cervicotomy and exploratory procedures of all 4 parathyroid glands. RESULTS: All patients are cured (mean follow-up, 17.8+/-10.3 months [SD]). Patients with negative preoperative study results had a high risk of multiglandular disease (12/38 patients; 31,6%), compared with patients with 1 positive study result (3/83 patients; 3.6%; P<.0001) and those with 2 concordant positive study results (0/92 patients; P<.0001). CONCLUSION: When preoperative localization study results are negative, the patient has a high risk of multiglandular disease, and a conventional cervicotomy with identification of the 4 glands is recommended strongly. When only 1 localization study is positive, the risk of multiglandular disease justifies the use of QPTH during a focused approach. When positive localization study results are concordant, the use of QPTH is questionable during a focused approach.

Hyperthyroidism due to coexistence of Graves' disease and Struma ovarii.

OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case of persistent thyrotoxicosis after treatment of Graves' disease, because of coexistence of struma ovarii. METHODS: We report the clinical history, imaging studies, laboratory and pathologic data, and treatment in a patient with persistent hyperthyroidism after surgical treatment of Graves' disease. In addition, we discuss some aspects of the pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism due to functioning struma ovarii. RESULTS: A 42-year-old woman underwent near-total thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves' disease. Post-operatively, hyperthyroidism was still present. Methimazole was administered again, and performance of a 131I whole-body scan demonstrated a focus of intense uptake in the pelvis. Pelvic ultrasonography revealed a mass (11 by 8 by 7.1 cm) arising from the right ovary, with both solid and cystic components. Abdominal surgical exploration was performed, and the final histologic diagnosis was struma ovarii. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism diminished, and 3 weeks postoperatively, the thyroid hormone levels were in the hypothyroid range. CONCLUSION: In patients with refractory hyperthyroidism after thyroid surgical treatment, radioiodine scanning should be performed to diagnose or exclude the functioning profile of ovarian masses.

[New surgical approaches to primary hyperparathyroidism]. / Nouveaux abords chirurgicaux de l'hyperparathyroïdisme primaire.

We have seen recently the appearance of several new techniques for parathyroidectomy: the minimally invasive techniques all have a limited incision when compared to classic transverse cervical incision and are targeted on one specific parathyroid gland. These interventions are today possible for three main reasons: the available imaging techniques permit to locate the diseased gland, the use of rapid intraoperative PTH assay can confirm the successful extirpation, new instrumentation and miniaturised cameras have been adapted for this kind of surgery. Amongst minimally invasive techniques applied to parathyroidectomy, the video-assisted technique has the main advantage to offer a magnified view that permits a precise and careful dissection with minimal risks. Not all patients presenting a primary hyperparathyroidism are candidates for this surgery. Contraindications are mainly due to a large goiter, previous surgery in the parathyroid vicinity, suspicious multiglandular disease and equivocal preoperative localising studies. Currently 60% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism can benefit of these techniques. Studies comparing conventional parathyroid surgery to endoscopic techniques have shown a diminution of postoperative pain and better cosmetic results with endoscopic techniques. If early results are similar to those obtained with conventional traditional open parathyroidectomies it is still too soon to evaluate what will be the recurrence rate of these new techniques.