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Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery

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Open Access 01-06-2020 | Thyroid Disease | Original Article

Thyroid surgery in children and young adults: potential overtreatment and complications

Authors: Julia I. Staubitz, Julia Bode, Alicia Poplawski, Felix Watzka, Joachim Pohlenz, Hauke Lang, Thomas J. Musholt

Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Thyroid nodules in the pediatric population are more frequently associated with malignant thyroid disease than in adult cohorts. Yet, there is a potential risk of surgical overtreatment. With this single center study, an analysis of potential overtreatment for suspected malignant thyroid disease in children and young adults was aimed for.

Methods

In a period from 2005 to 2018, 155 thyroid operations in children and young adults performed at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany, were analyzed (patient age 3–20 years, 117 female). Cases were categorized for preoperative diagnosis: non-malignant (group I, n = 45) and malignant thyroid disease (group II, n = 110). Postoperative parameters (histology, complication rates) were assessed and compared between groups.

Results

91.1% of group I were histologically benign. 44.5% of group II harbored malignancy. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was documented in group I (2.7%) and in group II (1.4%, p = 1.000). Wound infections were absent in group I but observed in group II (0.9%, p = 1.000). Transient vocal cord palsy was recorded only in group I (2.3%, 2/85 vs. 0/177 nerves at risk, p = 0.104). Permanent vocal cord palsies were absent.

Conclusion

Preoperative diagnoses were correct in over 90% of group I and in nearly 45% of group II. The high proportion of carcinomas in group II ruled out the issue of potential overtreatment. The risk of severe postoperative complications was equally low in both patient groups.

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Title: Thyroid surgery in children and young adults: potential overtreatment and complications
Authors: Julia I. Staubitz
Julia Bode
Alicia Poplawski
Felix Watzka
Joachim Pohlenz
Hauke Lang
Thomas J. Musholt
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Thyroid Disease
Hypoparathyroidism
Thyroid Disease
Goiter
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy
Multinodular Goiter
Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 1435-2443
Electronic ISSN: 1435-2451
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-020-01896-x

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Thyroid surgery in children and young adults: potential overtreatment and complications

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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