Surgery Is Underutilized in the Management of Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (3HPT) is observed in up to 40% of renal transplant patients. Standard guidelines defining 3HPT and indications for operative intervention are not well described. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-institution cohort study of patients who underwent renal transplant between January 1, 2012 and January 30, 2018, with a minimum of 13-month follow-up and at least 1 y of allograft function. We defined 3HPT as having elevated serum level parathyroid hormone (>88 pg/mL) after successful renal transplantation or multiple instances of elevated serum calcium starting at least 3 mo after transplant. We compared graft failure rates after stratifying the cohort based on management strategy: expectant, medical management with cinacalcet, and parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: Out of the 381 transplanted patients with functional grafts at 1 y, 178 patients (46.6%) were found to have 3HPT. One hundred twenty-nine patients (72.5%) were managed expectantly without medications, 35 patients (19.7%) were managed medically, and 14 patients (7.8%) were managed with parathyroidectomy. Twenty-two patients (17.1%) in the observation group had graft failure, 4 patients (11.4%) in the medically managed group had graft failure, and 0 patients in the surgery group had graft failure. Surgical intervention was associated with decreased renal allograft failure when compared to the combined cohort of nonoperative 3HPT patients (P = 0.03). All patients who underwent parathyroidectomy were cured and did not have graft failure as of December 30, 2019. Calcium elevation, but not PTH elevation, was associated with referral for parathyroidectomy on multivariable logistic regression analysis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: At our institution, the referral rate for parathyroidectomy among patients with 3HPT remains low. Parathyroidectomy was associated with high cure rates and reduced graft failure. Surgery may be underutilized in the management of 3HPT.

Pathologic Features Associated With Molecular Subtypes of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between pathologic features and molecular classes (BRAF-like, RAS-like, and non-BRAF-like non-RAS-like [NBNR]). METHODS: Retrospective review of a merged database containing 676 patients, 84% (571/676) were assigned to a molecular class from publicly accessible sequenced data of thyroid neoplasms. RESULTS: The merged cohort included 571 neoplasms: 353 (62%) BRAF-like, 172 (30%) RAS-like, and 46 (8.1%) NBNR. Lymph node metastasis (any N1 disease) was present in 166/337 (49%) of BRAF-like, 23/164 (14%) of RAS-like, and 0/46 (0%) of NBNR and are significantly different (P < .001). Gross extra-thyroidal extension was observed in 27 patients, including 24/331 (7%) of BRAF-like, 2/160 (1%) of RAS-like, and 1/46 (2%) of NBNR (P = .01). N1B lymph node metastases or T4 disease was present in 74/333 (22%) of BRAF-like, 10/160 (6%) of RAS-like, and 1/46 (2%) of NBNR (P < .0001). Distant metastasis was present in 4/151 (2.6%) of BRAF-like, 2/50 (4%) of RAS-like and 0/46 for NBNR (P = .627). Angioinvasion was present in 0/81 (0%) of BRAF-like, 3/53 (6%) of RAS-like, and 3/46 (7%) of NBNR (P = .08); and multifocality was present in 27/81 (33%) of BRAF-like, 9/53 (17%) of RAS-like, and 1/46 (2%) for NBNR (P = .0001). CONCLUSION: Pathological features of metastasis, gross extra-thyroidal extension, and multifocality were more prevalent in BRAF-like samples compared to RAS-like and NBNR. A trend towards increased frequency of angioinvasion in RAS-like and NBNR cancers compared to BRAF-like samples was observed. Further studies are needed to evaluate if preoperative knowledge of molecular mutations in thyroid tumors aids in decision-making regarding extent of surgery.

Tribute to Dr. Takuo Aoyagi, inventor of pulse oximetry.

INTRODUCTION: Dr. Takuo Aoyagi invented pulse oximetry in 1974. Pulse oximeters are widely used worldwide, most recently making headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Aoyagi passed away on April 18, 2020, aware of the significance of his invention, but still actively searching for the theory that would take his invention to new heights. METHOD: Many people who knew Dr. Aoyagi, or knew of him and his invention, agreed to participate in this tribute to his work. The authors, from Japan and around the world, represent all aspects of the development of medical devices, including scientists and engineers, clinicians, academics, business people, and clinical practitioners. RESULTS: While the idea of pulse oximetry originated in Japan, device development lagged in Japan due to a lack of business, clinical, and academic interest. Awareness of the importance of anesthesia safety in the US, due to academic foresight and media attention, in combination with excellence in technological innovation, led to widespread use of pulse oximetry around the world. CONCLUSION: Dr. Aoyagi's final wish was to find a theory of pulse oximetry. We hope this tribute to him and his invention will inspire a new generation of scientists, clinicians, and related organizations to secure the foundation of the theory.

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.

Molecular testing for thyroid nodules: Review and current state.

Thyroid nodules affect nearly two-thirds of the world population. Fine-needle biopsy with cytologic evaluation remains the diagnostic test of choice to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules yet fails to discriminate as benign or malignant in up to one-third of cases. This review discusses the limitation of current cytopathologic evaluation, the development of thyroid molecular testing, and the strengths and limitations of commercially available tests. Initial cytomolecular testing sought to identify specific gene mutations associated with thyroid cancer. Although the presence of a mutation was strongly associated with cancer, the likelihood of identifying a mutation was low; therefore, the test had low sensitivity. Subsequent tests developed have sought to improve the accuracy of cytomolecular testing for thyroid fine-needle aspirations, both to reassure patients and providers when malignancy may be absent and to confirm the malignancy when present. The development of cytomolecular testing for thyroid nodules has informed and improved current understanding of thyroid nodule formation and progression. When used appropriately and with clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages, cytomolecular testing has the potential to improve patient care in the setting of indeterminate thyroid nodules by helping to guide both the need for and the extent of thyroid surgery. Cancer 2018;124:888-98. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Upper-airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with considerable health risks. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can mitigate these risks, effectiveness can be reduced by inadequate adherence to treatment. We evaluated the clinical safety and effectiveness of upper-airway stimulation at 12 months for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: Using a multicenter, prospective, single-group, cohort design, we surgically implanted an upper-airway stimulation device in patients with obstructive sleep apnea who had difficulty either accepting or adhering to CPAP therapy. The primary outcome measures were the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; the number of apnea or hypopnea events per hour, with a score of ≥15 indicating moderate-to-severe apnea) and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI; the number of times per hour of sleep that the blood oxygen level drops by ≥4 percentage points from baseline). Secondary outcome measures were the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), and the percentage of sleep time with the oxygen saturation less than 90%. Consecutive participants with a response were included in a randomized, controlled therapy-withdrawal trial. RESULTS: The study included 126 participants; 83% were men. The mean age was 54.5 years, and the mean body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) was 28.4. The median AHI score at 12 months decreased 68%, from 29.3 events per hour to 9.0 events per hour (P<0.001); the ODI score decreased 70%, from 25.4 events per hour to 7.4 events per hour (P<0.001). Secondary outcome measures showed a reduction in the effects of sleep apnea and improved quality of life. In the randomized phase, the mean AHI score did not differ significantly from the 12-month score in the nonrandomized phase among the 23 participants in the therapy-maintenance group (8.9 and 7.2 events per hour, respectively); the AHI score was significantly higher (indicating more severe apnea) among the 23 participants in the therapy-withdrawal group (25.8 vs. 7.6 events per hour, P<0.001). The ODI results followed a similar pattern. The rate of procedure-related serious adverse events was less than 2%. CONCLUSIONS: In this uncontrolled cohort study, upper-airway stimulation led to significant improvements in objective and subjective measurements of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. (Funded by Inspire Medical Systems; STAR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01161420.).

The Mini Report: a Practical Tool to Address Lung Cancer Disparities in Rural Communities.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an effective way to address cancer disparities in medically underserved populations. Our research demonstrates how CBPR principles were used to develop lung cancer and risk factor mini reports for a network of community coalitions in the Illinois Delta Region, a predominately rural region with high lung cancer disparities in southern Illinois. An academic-community partnership, including a community-based medical school, state public health department, and a healthcare system, used CBPR principles to translate epidemiological, behavioral, and demographic data into understandable, comprehensive, yet concise mini reports for each coalition. A cyclical and iterative process was used to draft, revise, and optimize these mini reports to raise awareness about lung cancer disparities in the community and to provide information to help guide the development of interventions that address these disparities. The use of CBPR principles was a successful way to create mini reports about local lung cancer disparities and risk factors that were usable in individual communities. Local coalitions used the mini reports to educate community members at local meetings, to guide strategic planning, and to disseminate information through their respective websites. Additionally, the process of creating these reports built trust among academic-community partners and provided additional avenues of engagement, such as the involvement of an academic partner in the strategic planning process of a local coalition. Using CBPR processes is an effective way to translate epidemiological data into a community-friendly format to address cancer disparities.

Tapping unsustainable groundwater stores for agricultural production in the High Plains Aquifer of Kansas, projections to 2110.

Groundwater provides a reliable tap to sustain agricultural production, yet persistent aquifer depletion threatens future sustainability. The High Plains Aquifer supplies 30% of the nation's irrigated groundwater, and the Kansas portion supports the congressional district with the highest market value for agriculture in the nation. We project groundwater declines to assess when the study area might run out of water, and comprehensively forecast the impacts of reduced pumping on corn and cattle production. So far, 30% of the groundwater has been pumped and another 39% will be depleted over the next 50 y given existing trends. Recharge supplies 15% of current pumping and would take an average of 500-1,300 y to completely refill a depleted aquifer. Significant declines in the region's pumping rates will occur over the next 15-20 y given current trends, yet irrigated agricultural production might increase through 2040 because of projected increases in water use efficiencies in corn production. Water use reductions of 20% today would cut agricultural production to the levels of 15-20 y ago, the time of peak agricultural production would extend to the 2070s, and production beyond 2070 would significantly exceed that projected without reduced pumping. Scenarios evaluate incremental reductions of current pumping by 20-80%, the latter rate approaching natural recharge. Findings substantiate that saving more water today would result in increased net production due to projected future increases in crop water use efficiencies. Society has an opportunity now to make changes with tremendous implications for future sustainability and livability.

Preoperative diagnosis of benign thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 15 to 30% of thyroid nodules evaluated by means of fine-needle aspiration are not clearly benign or malignant. Patients with cytologically indeterminate nodules are often referred for diagnostic surgery, though most of these nodules prove to be benign. A novel diagnostic test that measures the expression of 167 genes has shown promise in improving preoperative risk assessment. METHODS: We performed a 19-month, prospective, multicenter validation study involving 49 clinical sites, 3789 patients, and 4812 fine-needle aspirates from thyroid nodules 1 cm or larger that required evaluation. We obtained 577 cytologically indeterminate aspirates, 413 of which had corresponding histopathological specimens from excised lesions. Results of a central, blinded histopathological review served as the reference standard. After inclusion criteria were met, a gene-expression classifier was used to test 265 indeterminate nodules in this analysis, and its performance was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 265 indeterminate nodules, 85 were malignant. The gene-expression classifier correctly identified 78 of the 85 nodules as suspicious (92% sensitivity; 95% confidence interval [CI], 84 to 97), with a specificity of 52% (95% CI, 44 to 59). The negative predictive values for "atypia (or follicular lesion) of undetermined clinical significance," "follicular neoplasm or lesion suspicious for follicular neoplasm," or "suspicious cytologic findings" were 95%, 94%, and 85%, respectively. Analysis of 7 aspirates with false negative results revealed that 6 had a paucity of thyroid follicular cells, suggesting insufficient sampling of the nodule. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest consideration of a more conservative approach for most patients with thyroid nodules that are cytologically indeterminate on fine-needle aspiration and benign according to gene-expression classifier results. (Funded by Veracyte.).

Gender-specific relationships between socioeconomic disadvantage and obesity in elementary school students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the gender-specific effect of socioeconomic disadvantage on obesity in elementary school students. METHODS: We evaluated body mass index (BMI) data from 2,648 first- and fourth-grade students (1,377 male and 1,271 female students) in eight elementary schools in Springfield, Illinois, between 2012 and 2014. Other factors considered in analysis were grade level, year of data collection, school, race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic disadvantage (SD). Students were considered SD if they were eligible for free/reduced price lunch, a school-based poverty measure. We performed Fisher's exact test or chi-square analysis to assess differences in gender and obesity prevalence by the other factors and gender-stratified logistic regression analysis to determine if SD contributed to increased odds of obesity. RESULTS: A higher proportion of SD female students (20.8%) were obese compared to their non-SD peers (15.2%) (p=0.01). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated no difference in obesity in SD and non-SD male students. However, in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, SD female students had higher odds of obesity than their peers. Even after controlling for grade level, school, year of data collection, and race/ethnicity, SD female students had 49% higher odds of obesity than their non-SD classmates (odds ratio:1.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.04). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was elevated in SD female students, even after controlling for factors such as race/ethnicity, but such an association was not seen in male students. Further study is warranted to determine the cause of this disparity, and interventions should be developed to target SD female students.

A prospective assessment defining the limitations of thyroid nodule pathologic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Clinical management of thyroid neoplasms is based on light microscopic diagnosis, but its accuracy and precision are poorly defined. OBJECTIVE: To assess inter- and intraobserver variability of preoperative cytopathologic and postoperative histopathologic thyroid diagnoses. DESIGN: Samples were collected in a prospective, multicenter trial validating a gene expression classifier between June 2009 and December 2010. SETTING: 14 academic and 35 community clinical sites. PATIENTS: 653 patients with 776 surgically resected thyroid nodules of 1 cm or greater. MEASUREMENTS: Intraobserver concordance among 2 or more central histopathologists who independently read histopathology slides was calculated. Interobserver concordance between the diagnoses made by the central histopathologists and those made by local pathologists were calculated. Intra- and interobserver concordance for cytopathology was similarly calculated by comparing diagnoses made by local pathologists with those made by a central panel of 3 cytopathologists. RESULTS: Concordance on the histopathologic distinction between benign and malignant diagnoses was 91% comparing local with central histopathologists and 90% comparing 2 central histopathologists. Using the 6-category Bethesda System, 64.0% of diagnoses made by local and central cytopathologists and 74.7% of intraobserver diagnoses were concordant. Central cytopathologists made fewer indeterminate diagnoses than local pathologists (41.2% vs. 55.0%). LIMITATIONS: Many local pathologists did not use the Bethesda System, so their reports were translated to allow comparison. The study required histopathology, and the study population and specimens did not encompass all newly evaluated patients with a thyroid nodule. CONCLUSION: Substantial inter- and intraobserver variability exists in the cytopathologic and histopathologic evaluation of thyroid nodules, confirming an inherent limitation of visual microscopic diagnosis. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Veracyte.

Overview of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease: The Otolaryngology Perspective.

The management of thyroid and parathyroid pathology varies widely, with unifying goals of symptomatic control and mitigating patient morbidity. In general, surgery is indicated when addressing malignancy or when medical management is insufficient. Over the last few decades, treatment paradigms for patients with head and neck endocrine disease have shifted significantly as our understanding of disease processes has expanded and with the advent of numerous relevant technologies. Here we provide a general overview of thyroid and parathyroid disease that may be managed by the otolaryngologist, with attention to emerging strategies in diagnosis and treatment.

Historical vignette: Dr Charles Robson; pioneer Canadian pediatric anesthetist.

Charles Robson (Figure 1) was born in New Westminster, British Columbia (now a suburb of Vancouver), in 1884 and graduated in medicine from McGill University in Montreal in 1913. Having interned and with some anesthesia training at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, he was sent overseas to work in a Canadian Army Hospital where he founded a school to train military anesthetists. Returning to Canada in 1919, he joined the staff of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto as chief anesthetist, a position he held until 1951 (1). During most of this time, he was the sole full-time anesthetist at the hospital; administration of anesthesia at this hospital was not limited to staff anesthetists until 1950 (1).

Avoiding delays in time to renal transplantation: Pretransplant thyroid malignancy does not affect patient or graft survival after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pretransplant malignancy is associated with decreased patient and graft survival. Current US guidelines recommend a 2- to 5-year, tumor-free waiting period before transplantation. No large studies have examined the specific, modern day risk of pretransplant thyroid malignancy on patient and graft survival after renal transplant. METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for all adult isolated renal transplant recipients between 2003 and 2019. Patient characteristics, rates of post-transplant malignancy, and survival were compared between patients with pretransplant thyroid malignancy and without pretransplant thyroid malignancy. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients had pretransplant thyroid malignancy diagnosed after listing and before renal transplantation. Both overall and graft survival were similar between cohorts (P > .05). There was no significant association between pretransplant thyroid malignancy and patient (hazard ratio: 0.66; P = .31) or graft (hazard ratio:0.32; P = .11) survival on multivariate analysis. Waitlist duration for pretransplant thyroid malignancy patients was significantly increased (1,444 vs 438 days; P < .01), which translated to increased dialysis duration (2,234 vs 1,201 days, P < .01). Pretransplant thyroid malignancy patients did not experience increased post-transplant malignancy (P = .21). CONCLUSION: Given no association with decreased patient or allograft survival, our findings suggest that pretransplant thyroid malignancy patients are unnecessarily subjected to increased wait-list duration before transplant. We recommend an individualized approach for pretransplant thyroid malignancy patients diagnosed before or after listing.

Thyroid nodules >4 cm with atypia of undetermined significance cytology independently associate with malignant pathology.

BACKGROUND: The risk of malignancy from nodules with atypia of undetermined significance cytology is estimated between 5% and 15%, though more recent studies suggest rates upwards of 48%. This study sought to characterize preoperative predictors of malignancy to aid in clinical decision-making. METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective review of all adult patients with unilateral thyroid nodules demonstrating atypia of undetermined significance cytology between March 1, 2013 and June 1, 2019 who underwent surgical resection (n = 266). Univariate and multivariate logistical analysis was performed using clinical and demographic variables to identify potential preoperative characteristics associated with malignant disease. RESULTS: Malignancy was identified on final pathology in 24.7% of patients with atypia of undetermined significance cytology. Age, sex, exposure to ionizing radiation, family history of thyroid cancer, Hashimoto's disease, Afirma suspicious results, and smoking were not associated with malignancy on both univariate and multivariate analysis. Nodule size >4 cm was independently associated with malignancy risk on both univariate (odds ratio 2.44, 1.09-5.43, P < .03) and multivariate (odds ratio 2.96, 1.27-6.87, P < .02) analysis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that nodules with atypia of undetermined significance cytology >4 cm are strongly associated with malignancy. We recommend strong consideration of surgery for all patients with thyroid nodules >4 cm and atypia of undetermined significance cytology.

Critical Review and Consensus Statement for Neural Monitoring in Otolaryngologic Head, Neck, and Endocrine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing patient outcomes in an array of surgical procedures in the head and neck requires the maintenance of complex regional functions through the protection of cranial nerve integrity. This review and consensus statement cover the scope of cranial nerve monitoring of all cranial nerves that are of practical importance in head, neck, and endocrine surgery except for cranial nerves VII and VIII within the temporal bone. Complete and applied understanding of neurophysiologic principles facilitates the surgeon's ability to monitor the at-risk nerve. METHODS: The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) identified the need for a consensus statement on cranial nerve monitoring. An AAO-HNS task force was created through soliciting experts on the subject. Relevant domains were identified, including residency education, neurophysiology, application, and various techniques for monitoring pertinent cranial nerves. A document was generated to incorporate and consolidate these domains. The panel used a modified Delphi method for consensus generation. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved in the domains of education needs and anesthesia considerations, as well as setup, troubleshooting, and documentation. Specific cranial nerve monitoring was evaluated and reached consensus for all cranial nerves in statement 4 with the exception of the spinal accessory nerve. Although the spinal accessory nerve's value can never be marginalized, the task force did not feel that the existing literature was as robust to support a recommendation of routine monitoring of this nerve. In contrast, there is robust supporting literature cited and consensus for routine monitoring in certain procedures, such as thyroid surgery, to optimize patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The AAO-HNS Cranial Nerve Monitoring Task Force has provided a state-of-the-art review in neural monitoring in otolaryngologic head, neck, and endocrine surgery. The evidence-based review was complemented by consensus statements utilizing a modified Delphi method to prioritize key statements to enhance patient outcomes in an array of surgical procedures in the head and neck. A precise definition of what actually constitutes intraoperative nerve monitoring and its benefits have been provided.

A multi-institutional study evaluating and describing atypical parathyroid tumors discovered after parathyroidectomy.

Objective: To describe common intraoperative and pathologic findings of atypical parathyroid tumors (APTs) and evaluate clinical outcomes in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. Methods: In this multi-institutional retrospective case series, data were collected from patients who underwent parathyroidectomy from 2000 to 2018 from three tertiary care institutions. APTs were defined according to the AJCC eighth edition guidelines and retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, recurrence of disease, and disease-specific mortality. Results: Twenty-eight patients were identified with a histopathologic diagnosis of atypical tumor. Mean age was 56 years (range, 23-83) and 68% (19/28) were female. All patients had an initial diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism with 21% (6/28) exhibiting clinical loss of bone density and 32% (9/28) presenting with nephrolithiasis or renal dysfunction. Intraoperatively, 29% (8/28) required thyroid lobectomy, 29% (8/28) had gross adherence to adjacent structures and 46% (13/28) had RLN adherence. The most common pathologic finding was fibrosis 46% (13/28). Postoperative complications include RLN paresis/paralysis in 14% (4/28) and hungry bone syndrome in 7% (2/28). No patients with a diagnosis of atypical tumor developed recurrent disease, however there was one patient that had persistent disease and hypercalcemia that is being observed. There were 96% (27/28) patients alive at last follow-up, with one death unrelated to disease. Conclusion: Despite the new AJCC categorization of atypical tumors staged as Tis, we observed no recurrence of disease after resection and no disease-specific mortality. However, patients with atypical tumors may be at increased risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and incomplete resection.