Executive Summary of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective and appropriate thyroidectomy. BACKGROUND: Surgical management of thyroid disease has evolved considerably over several decades leading to variability in rendered care. Over 100,000 thyroid operations are performed annually in the United States. METHODS: The medical literature from January 1, 1985 to November 9, 2018 was reviewed by a panel of 19 experts in thyroid disorders representing multiple disciplines. The authors used the best available evidence to construct surgical management recommendations. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and management recommendations were discussed to consensus. Members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content. RESULTS: These clinical guidelines analyze the indications for thyroidectomy as well as its definitions, technique, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis, Molecular Testing, Indications, Extent and Outcomes of Surgery, Preoperative Care, Initial Thyroidectomy, Perioperative Tissue Diagnosis, Nodal Dissection, Concurrent Parathyroidectomy, Hyperthyroid Conditions, Goiter, Adjuncts and Approaches Laryngology Familial Thyroid Cancer, Postoperative Care and Complications, Cancer Management, and Reoperation. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal surgical management of thyroid disease.

The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective, and appropriate thyroidectomy. BACKGROUND: Surgical management of thyroid disease has evolved considerably over several decades leading to variability in rendered care. Over 100,000 thyroid operations are performed annually in the US. METHODS: The medical literature from 1/1/1985 to 11/9/2018 was reviewed by a panel of 19 experts in thyroid disorders representing multiple disciplines. The authors used the best available evidence to construct surgical management recommendations. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and management recommendations were discussed to consensus. Members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content. RESULTS: These clinical guidelines analyze the indications for thyroidectomy as well as its definitions, technique, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis, Molecular Testing, Indications, Extent and Outcomes of Surgery, Preoperative Care, Initial Thyroidectomy, Perioperative Tissue Diagnosis, Nodal Dissection, Concurrent Parathyroidectomy, Hyperthyroid Conditions, Goiter, Adjuncts and Approaches to Thyroidectomy, Laryngology, Familial Thyroid Cancer, Postoperative Care and Complications, Cancer Management, and Reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal surgical management of thyroid disease.

The utility of intraoperative nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) can lead to vocal cord paralysis, resulting in hoarseness, aspiration, stridor, and respiratory distress. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) on RLN injury during thyroidectomy when it is used as an adjunct to confirm the functional integrity of the RLN during delineation of its anatomic course after it has been visually identified. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing the rate of RLN injury in patients undergoing thyroidectomy with IONM, which was implemented in 2012, to patients who underwent thyroidectomy without IONM during the 3-year period immediately before IONM. Secondary analysis was performed to determine if there was a relationship between RLN injury and patient age, sex, substernal extension, central neck dissection, prior neck surgery, nodule size, gland weight, or pathology. RESULTS: A total of 627 patients underwent thyroidectomy, 315 with IONM and 312 without IONM. Of the 531 nerves at risk in the cohort with IONM, 4 (0.75%) were injured compared to 3 (0.58%) among the 517 nerves at risk in the cohort without IONM (P > 0.05). No secondary factor had a significant impact on RLN injury. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IONM had no impact on the rate of permanent RLN injury during thyroidectomy. Because of the low rate of RLN injury, a much larger sample size is needed to determine if IONM will a valuable adjunct in thyroid surgery, especially in specific high-risk subgroups.

Inadvertent parathyroidectomy: incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid glands are ≤5 mm, often subcapsular or intrathyroidal, and obscured by lymph nodes, making preservation a challenge. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy (IP) and whether it contributes to hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all thyroidectomies by a single surgeon from January 2010 to August 2014 was completed to determine the rate of IP and permanent hypoparathyroidism. Medical records were assessed for demographics, extent of thyroidectomy, central compartment neck dissection, thyroid gland weight, parathyroid autotransplantation, reoperation, pathology, postoperative calcium levels, and number of parathyroid glands removed. RESULTS: A total of 386 patients underwent thyroidectomy. Mean age was 52 y, and 327 (85%) patients were women. There were 25 (7%) patients who underwent reoperation, 40 (10%) who underwent central compartment neck dissection, and 128 (33%) who underwent parathyroid autotransplantation. IP occurred in 78 (20%) patients. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 7 (2.7%) of 258 patients after total or completion thyroidectomy, four (6.7%) with IP compared with three (1.5%) without IP (P = 0.033). Logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender (odds ratio = 2.768, P = 0.040), central compartment neck dissection (odds ratio = 9.584, P = 0.001), and thyroid gland weight (odds ratio = 0.994, P = 0.022) were independent factors associated with IP. CONCLUSIONS: IP, which occurred in 20% of patients undergoing thyroidectomy, is a potentially remediable factor associated with a higher rate of hypoparathyroidism. Central compartment neck dissection is an independent risk factor for IP.

Factors Predictive of Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalization Following Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for emergency department (ED) visits and unplanned hospitalization after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy from 2007 to 2014 was conducted to assess for ED visits or unplanned hospitalization within 30 days after surgery. Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for ED visits and hospitalization. RESULTS: Of 864 patients who underwent thyroidectomy (n = 673) or parathyroidectomy (n = 191), 96 (11.1 %) had an ED visit and 41 (4.7 %) were hospitalized within 30 days after surgery. Univariate analysis showed hypocalcemia (p = 0.001), younger age (p = 0.02), total thyroidectomy (p = 0.01), and lack of private health insurance (p = 0.005) to be predictive of an ED visit and hypocalcemia (p = 0.0001), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (p = 0.049), total thyroidectomy (p = 0.005), and African American race (p = 0.03) were predictive of hospitalization after thyroidectomy. Multivariate analysis showed younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.5 per 10-year decrease in age; p = 0.002; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.8) and Medicare insurance (OR 2.7; p = 0.01; 95 % CI 1.3-5.7) to be independently associated with an ED visit, and hypocalcemia (OR 4.7; p < 0.001; 95 % CI 2.2-11.0) was the only independent factor associated with hospitalization after thyroidectomy. Univariate analysis showed hypocalcemia, renal hyperparathyroidism, and multiglandular disease to be predictive of an ED visit and hospitalization after parathyroidectomy. The sample size for parathyroidectomy was too small for multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted strategies for transitions of care for patients with postoperative hypocalcemia may help to reduce ED visits and hospitalization after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

How often are intrathyroidal parathyroid glands a cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, and how should they be managed?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency and management of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and evaluate whether intrathyroidal parathyroid glands were more often superior or inferior glands. METHODS: A retrospective review of the prospective parathyroid database was completed to determine the number of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland. Demographic data, laboratory and localization studies, operative management, pathology, and outcome were determined for patients with an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland and were compared with patients with an extrathyroidal parathyroid gland. RESULTS: From 1990-2023, 808 patients were operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism; 17 (2%) patients had an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland, an adenoma in 15 (88.2%), and a hyperplastic gland in 2 (11.8%). The mean age was 53 years; 16 (94%) patients were female. Mean calcium and parathyroid hormone was 12 mg/dL and 150 pg/mL, and there were no differences from the extrathyroidal parathyroid group. Ultrasound and Sestamibi imaging were valuable in identifying an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland in 10 of 13 patients and 13 of 17 patients, respectively. Local excision was performed in 9 (53%) patients and lobectomy in 8 (47%) patients. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone was measured and predictive of cure in 12 patients. The location of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands was determined in 15 patients and was inferior in 11 (73%). All patients were cured. No patient developed recurrent disease after a median 54-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands are the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in 2% of patients and are most often inferior glands. Local excision was accomplished in 53% of our patients.

Association of thyroid, breast and renal cell cancer: a population-based study of the prevalence of second malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data has shown that the incidence of thyroid cancer is higher in patients with a preexisting malignancy and that the incidence of other malignancies is higher in patients with thyroid cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of a second malignancy in patients treated for thyroid, breast or renal cell cancer and determine what associations, if any, exist between these cancers. METHODS: This study utilized the novel data system, Explorys, as its population base. Patient cohorts were constructed using ICD-9 codes, and prevalence rates were obtained for each cancer. Rates of second malignancy were obtained and compared to the baseline prevalence for a particular malignancy. RESULTS: Female thyroid cancer patients had a 0.67- and twofold increase in prevalence of a subsequent breast and renal cell cancer. Female breast and renal cell cancer patients had a twofold and 1.5-fold increase in the prevalence of thyroid cancer, respectively. Male patients with thyroid cancer had a 29- and 4.5-fold increase in prevalence of subsequent breast and renal cell cancer. Male patients with breast and renal cell cancer had an increased prevalence of subsequent thyroid cancer, 19- and threefold, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a bidirectional association between thyroid, breast and renal cancer in both male and female patients. This may have important implications for patient follow-up and screening after treatment of a primary cancer.

Selective lateral compartment neck dissection for thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: Compartment-oriented lymph node dissection in patients with thyroid cancer and macroscopic lymph node metastases reduces recurrence and improves survival. However, the extent of lymph node dissection remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of selective lateral compartment neck dissection (LCND) for thyroid cancer. METHODS: We completed a retrospective review of patients with thyroid cancer who underwent selective LCND from 1992-2012 to determine the extent of lymph node resection, morbidity, recurrence, subsequent operations, mortality, and duration of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 45 LCNDs (five bilateral) were performed in 40 patients, 35 with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and five with medullary carcinoma. Nineteen LCNDs (42%) were completed at the time of thyroidectomy. Levels IIA, III, IV, and VB were included in 43 LCNDs (96%) and levels IIA, III, and IV in two LCNDs (4%). Morbidity included neck or ear numbness in 19 patients (48%), neuropathic symptoms in 14 (35%), Horner syndrome in two (5%), marginal mandibular nerve paresis in two (5%), and wound infection in one (3%). Recurrence rate was 25% (10 patients) and one or more reoperations were performed in seven patients (18%) with a mean follow-up of 58 ± 60 mo (range, 1-244 mo). There were 3 ipsilateral recurrences (8%) after 40 LCNDs for DTC. Four patients died from systemic disease: three with medullary carcinoma and one with PTC. CONCLUSIONS: Selective LCND is an effective therapeutic strategy for macroscopic lymph node metastases, with an 8% recurrence rate in the ipsilateral neck in patients with DTC. Neuropathic symptoms, however, remain an important source of morbidity.

Hyperparathyroid crisis: Characteristics and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hyperparathyroid crisis (HPTC) is a potentially lethal condition characterized by severe symptomatic hypercalcemia with calcium levels ≥14 mg/dl. We sought to determine the rate of HPTC and how it differs from hyperparathyroidism (HPT) without crisis (HPTWC). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with surgically treated HPT from 1990 to 2022 was completed. RESULTS: HPTC occurred in 18 (2.4%) of 783 with primary HPT. Patients with HPTC had higher preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, lower postoperative calcium levels, larger gland weights and higher rates of ectopic glands, carcinoma, recurrence and mortality compared to patients with HPTWC (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HPTC is a rare condition manifested by severe HPT that is associated with a higher rate of recurrence and mortality compared to HPTWC. HPTC is associated with larger parathyroid glands that are more often ectopic and malignant.

Primary hyperparathyroidism after radioactive iodine therapy: Is it a distinct clinical entity?

BACKGROUND: Radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment is considered a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). METHOD: A multi-institutional retrospective review of patients with pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy from 1990 to 2020 was completed to evaluate the prevalence and latency time for development of RAI-associated pHPT and determine clinical differences in pHPT patients with or without prior RAI treatment. RESULTS: 1929 patients with sporadic pHPT underwent parathyroidectomy; 48 (2.5%) had prior RAI treatment and 1881 (97.5%) did not. RAI treatment was for thyrotoxicosis in 43 (90%) patients. Average latency was 24 years (3-59 years) and inversely correlated with age. Patients with prior RAI treatment had lower preoperative calcium and PTH levels (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in age, symptoms, pathology, ectopic glands and cure rate. CONCLUSION: RAI is a potential causative factor for pHPT, accounting for 2.5% of sporadic pHPT. RAI-associated pHPT may be a less severe form of sporadic pHPT and latency inversely correlates with age.

Limited disease progression in endocrine surgery patients with treatment delays due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the delivery of care and timing of elective surgical procedures. Most endocrine-related operations were considered elective and safe to postpone, providing a unique opportunity to assess clinical outcomes under protracted treatment plans. METHODS: American Association of Endocrine Surgeon members were surveyed for participation. A Research Electronic Data Capture survey was developed and distributed to 27 institutions to assess the impact of COVID-19-related delays. The information collected included patient demographics, primary diagnosis, resumption of care, and assessment of disease progression by the surgeon. RESULTS: Twelve out of 27 institutions completed the survey (44.4%). Of 850 patients, 74.8% (636) were female; median age was 56 (interquartile range, 44-66) years. Forty percent (34) of patients had not been seen since their original surgical appointment was delayed; 86.2% (733) of patients had a delay in care with women more likely to have a delay (87.6% vs 82.2% of men, χ2 = 3.84, P = .05). Median duration of delay was 70 (interquartile range, 42-118) days. Among patients with a delay in care, primary disease site included thyroid (54.2%), parathyroid (37.2%), adrenal (6.5%), and pancreatic/gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (1.3%). In addition, 4.0% (26) of patients experienced disease progression and 4.1% (24) had a change from the initial operative plan. The duration of delay was not associated with disease progression (P = .96) or a change in operative plan (P = .66). CONCLUSION: Although some patients experienced disease progression during COVID-19 delays to endocrine disease-related care, most patients with follow-up did not. Our analysis indicated that temporary delay may be an acceptable course of action in extreme circumstances for most endocrine-related surgical disease.

Technetium-99m sestamibi imaging: are the results dependent on the reviewer?

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is dependent upon accurate preoperative parathyroid localization. We hypothesized that surgeon recognition of subtle differences in radiotracer accumulation would increase the sensitivity of technetium-99m sestamibi imaging and result in more frequent use of MIP. METHODS: Technetium-99m sestamibi scans completed at our institution for patients who underwent resection of a solitary parathyroid adenoma were reviewed by a surgeon and a radiologist who were blinded to patient identifying information, prior scan interpretation, and results of the operation. For each scan, the reviewer determined whether there was abnormal radiotracer accumulation and documented its location. Results were correlated with outcome of operation and final pathology. Blinded interpretations of the surgeon and radiologist were compared to each other and to the original radiologic interpretation. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2009, 274 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) had sestamibi imaging prior to parathyroidectomy; 149 patients with a single adenoma underwent curative parathyroidectomy and had scans available for review. Seventeen radiologists who reviewed an average of 11 ± 14 scans (range = 1-61) completed the original interpretations of the sestamibi imaging. Sensitivity of sestamibi imaging was 86% for the blinded surgeon compared to 75% for the blinded radiologist and 69% for the original radiologists (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the false positive rates (blinded surgeon = 5%, blinded radiologist = 5%, original radiologists = 5%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radiologists were less likely to call a scan positive. Surgeon recognition of subtle anatomic asymmetry increases the sensitivity of sestamibi imaging and successful completion of MIP.

Perioperative considerations in patients with adrenal tumors.

In this article the pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative management of patients with pheochromocytoma, aldosterone-producing adenoma, cortisol-producing tumors, and adrenal cortical carcinoma are reviewed. A detailed plan for pre-operative assessment and medical optimization is discussed. The potential intraoperative and post-operative complications that occur in patients with an adrenal tumor are reviewed with emphasis on recognition, treatment and prevention. Recommendations for anesthetic management, intraoperative and post-operative monitoring, blood pressure management, laboratory analysis and medication adjustments are presented.

Follicular adenoma and carcinoma of the thyroid gland.

Follicular neoplasms of the thyroid gland include benign follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma. Currently, a follicular carcinoma cannot be distinguished from a follicular adenoma based on cytologic, sonographic, or clinical features alone. The pathogenesis of follicular carcinoma may be related to iodine deficiency and various oncogene and/or microRNA activation. Advances in molecular testing for genetic mutations may soon allow for preoperative differentiation of follicular carcinoma from follicular adenoma. Until then, a patient with a follicular neoplasm should undergo a diagnostic thyroid lobectomy and isthmusectomy, which is definitive treatment for a benign follicular adenoma or a minimally invasive follicular cancer. Additional therapy is necessary for invasive follicular carcinoma including completion thyroidectomy, postoperative radioactive iodine ablation, whole body scanning, and thyrotropin suppressive doses of thyroid hormone. Less than 10% of patients with follicular carcinoma will have lymph node metastases, and a compartment-oriented neck dissection is reserved for patients with macroscopic disease. Regular follow-up includes history and physical examination, cervical ultrasound and serum TSH, and thyroglobulin and antithyroglobulin antibody levels. Other imaging studies are reserved for patients with an elevated serum thyroglobulin level and a negative cervical ultrasound. Systemic metastases most commonly involve the lung and bone and less commonly the brain, liver, and skin. Microscopic metastases are treated with high doses of radioactive iodine. Isolated macroscopic metastases can be resected with an improvement in survival. The overall ten-year survival for patients with minimally invasive follicular carcinoma is 98% compared with 80% in patients with invasive follicular carcinoma.

Total thyroidectomy: is morbidity higher for Graves' disease than nontoxic goiter?

BACKGROUND: Total thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves' disease is controversial and much of the debate centers on the concern for complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morbidity of total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease and determine if it is different than for patients with nontoxic nodular goiter. METHODS: The rates of life threatening neck hematoma, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, transient hypocalcemia, and hypoparathyroidism were determined for consecutive patients with Graves' disease treated with total thyroidectomy from 1996 to 2010. Results were compared with patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for nontoxic nodular goiter during the same period, matched for the weight of the excised thyroid gland. RESULTS: Total thyroidectomy was performed in 111 patients with Graves' disease (group I) and 283 patients with nontoxic nodular goiter (group II). Parathyroid autotransplantation was performed in 31(28%) patients in group I and 98 (35%) patients in group II (P = NS). Comparative analysis of morbidity revealed no significant difference in neck hematoma, 0(0%) (I) versus 3(1%) (II); permanent RLN injury, 0(0%) (I) versus 2(1%) (II); and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 1(1%) (I) versus 1 (0.4%) (II) (P = NS). Transient hypocalcemia was more common in patients with Graves' disease, 80(72%) (I) versus 170 (60%) (II) (P < 0.05), but not when matched for thyroid weight. CONCLUSIONS: Total thyroidectomy can be performed with low morbidity in patients with Graves' disease; only transient hypocalcemia occurred more often than in patients with nodular goiter. Total thyroidectomy should be presented as a therapeutic option for all patients with Graves' disease.

Ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands in patients with refractory renal hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine the rate of ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands and the outcome of surgical therapy in patients with refractory renal hyperparathyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for refractory renal hyperparathyroidism was completed. Operative and pathology reports were reviewed, and the number and location of resected parathyroid glands, patient outcomes, and follow-up were determined. RESULTS: During the period 1993-2019, a total of 68 patients underwent subtotal or total parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism. Of those, 59 patients (87%) were on dialysis for an average of 6.7 years. We determined that 18 patients (26%) had 24 ectopic parathyroid glands, including 9 (13%) patients with 11 supernumerary glands. A total of 2 patients had a supernumerary gland in a normal anatomic location. Of the 24 ectopic glands, 14 (58%) were in the thymus. After parathyroidectomy, 4 patients (5.9%) had persistent hyperparathyroidism, 6 patients (8.8%) developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism, and 2 patients (3%) had permanent hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: Ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands occurred in 26% and 16% of patients with renal hyperparathyroidism, respectively, and the thymus was the most common location. Thorough neck exploration and transcervical thymectomy are important to help reduce persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism.

Are narcotic pain medications necessary after discharge following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy have similar postoperative pain if managed with an opioid-sparing regimen versus an opioid-containing regimen. We hypothesized that an opioid-sparing regimen would provide equivalent analgesia. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized trial (clinicaltrials.govNCT03640247) comparing non-narcotic and narcotic postoperative pain regimens after discharge. Patients ≥18 y undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they were taking a narcotic. Patients in the nonnarcotic arm of the study received acetaminophen, alternating with ibuprofen, and patients in the narcotic arm received the same medications plus a narcotic. RESULTS: Of 126 patients, 64 patients were in the nonnarcotic group and 62 were in the narcotic group. The mean age was 54 ± 14 y, and 108 (86%) patients were female. Median pain scores were similar on postoperative day #0 (narcotic group 7 versus nonnarcotic group 7.5), postoperative day #1 (narcotic group 6 versus nonnarcotic group 6), postoperative day #2 (narcotic group 5 versus nonnarcotic group 5), postoperative day #3 (narcotic group 4 versus nonnarcotic group 4), postoperative day #4 (narcotic group 3 versus nonnarcotic 3) and postoperative day #5 (narcotic group 2.5 versus nonnarcotic group 2, all P > .1). A total of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group did not take a narcotic. A total of 8 (12.5%) patients in the nonnarcotic group and of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group took a median total of 2 narcotic tablets. CONCLUSION: An opioid-sparing pain medication regimen provides effective analgesia for most patients after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

Total thyroidectomy is superior to subtotal thyroidectomy for management of Graves' disease in the United States.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, Graves' disease is most commonly treated with radioiodine, yet thyroidectomy remains an important option for correcting hyperthyroidism. In many countries, limited access to thyroid hormone makes subtotal thyroidectomy the procedure of choice. In the United States, where levothyroxine is widely available, we hypothesized that total (TT) or near-total thyroidectomy (NT) is superior to subtotal thyroidectomy (ST) for long-term control of Graves' disease. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent ST, NT, or TT for Graves' disease between 1990 and 2008 was conducted. Differences in rates of disease recurrence were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Rates of parathyroid autotransplantation, complications, gland weight, and final pathology were determined. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients with Graves' disease were treated with thyroidectomy. Average age was 36.4 +/- 11.3 years (range: 16-81 years) and 88% were female. From 1990 to 1994, 10 patients underwent ST and 6 had NT. Since then, all patients have undergone TT (n = 120). There was a significantly higher rate of recurrence for ST (30%) compared to NT (0%; P = 0.15) and TT (0%; P < 0.0001). Parathyroid autotransplantation was performed in 36 (26.5%) patients, only 2 of whom underwent ST or NT. Transient postoperative hypocalcemia was more common after TT (P = 0.04). No patient in any group had permanent hypoparathyroidism. Two TT pts had transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal thyroidectomy resulted in 30% long-term failure to correct Graves' hyperthyroidism. We saw no recurrences and no increase in postoperative complications in the TT group. We feel that TT is safe and superior to ST for management of Graves' disease in the United States.