Neoadjuvant therapy to improve resectability of advanced thyroid cancer: A real-world experience.

Background: Experience with targeted neoadjuvant treatment for locoregionally advanced thyroid cancer is nascent.

Methods: Multicenter retrospective case series examining targeted neoadjuvant treatment for locoregionally advanced thyroid cancer. The primary outcome was change in surgical morbidity as measured by two metrics developed for use in clinical trials to characterize surgical complexity and morbidity.

Noninvasive monitoring of the vagus nerve during thyroid surgery using cutaneous adhesive and needle electrodes: What is the optimal configuration?

Objective: Endotracheal tube (ETT) surface electrodes are used to monitor the vagus nerve (VN), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Alternative nerve monitoring methods are desirable when intubation under general anesthesia is not desirable or possible. In this pilot study, we compared the performance of standard ETT electrodes to four different noninvasive cutaneous recording electrode types (two adhesive electrodes and two needle electrodes) in three different orientations.

Autofluorescence of Parathyroid Glands: A Review of Methods of Parathyroid Gland Identification and Parathyroid Vascular Assessment.

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism may cause significant patient morbidity and even mortality. Emerging technologies centered on autofluorescent properties of parathyroid glands when exposed to near-infrared light hold promise to improve surgical parathyroid gland identification and preservation. Two systems (probe-based and camera-based) are commercially available currently; however, neither system alone provides indication of vascular viability or postoperative parathyroid gland function.

Surgical and Biochemical Outcomes in Nerve Monitored Reoperation Surgery for Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Objective: To study the surgical and biochemical outcomes in nerve-monitored reoperation or revision surgery for recurrent thyroid cancers.

Study Design: A single-center retrospective study.

Setting: Tertiary center.

Preoperative Evaluation of Thyroid Cancer: A Review of Current Best Practices.

Objective: The incidence of thyroid cancer has significantly increased in recent decades. Although most thyroid cancers are small and carry an excellent prognosis, a subset of patients present with advanced thyroid cancer, which is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. The management of thyroid cancer requires a thoughtful individualized approach to optimize oncologic outcomes and minimize morbidity associated with treatment.

Emerging Imaging Technologies for Parathyroid Gland Identification and Vascular Assessment in Thyroid Surgery: A Review From the American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section.

Importance: Identification and preservation of parathyroid glands (PGs) remain challenging despite advances in surgical techniques. Considerable morbidity and even mortality result from hypoparathyroidism caused by devascularization or inadvertent removal of PGs. Emerging imaging technologies hold promise to improve identification and preservation of PGs during thyroid surgery.

Analysis of Unmet Information Needs Among Patients With Thyroid Cancer.

Importance: Counseling prior to thyroid cancer (TC) treatment is an essential component of informed consent. An informed patient affects treatment-related expectations and patient engagement, factors that contribute significantly to patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes.

Objective: To describe experiences with pretreatment counseling among survivors of TC and to test factors associated with self-reported treatment meeting expectations.

A multicenter evaluation of near-infrared autofluorescence imaging of parathyroid glands in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Background: The usefulness of incorporating near-infrared autofluorescence into the surgical workflow of endocrine surgeons is unclear. Our aim was to develop a prospective registry and gather expert opinion on appropriate use of this technology.

Methods: This was a prospective multicenter collaborative study of patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy at 7 academic centers.

Informed Consent for Intraoperative Neural Monitoring in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery - Consensus Statement of the International Neural Monitoring Study Group.

In the past decade, the use of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in thyroid and parathyroid surgery has been widely accepted by surgeons as a useful technology for improving laryngeal nerve identification and voice outcomes, facilitating neurophysiological research, educating and training surgeons, and reducing surgical complications and malpractice litigation. Informing patients about IONM is not only good practice and helpful in promoting the efficient use of IONM resources but is indispensable for effective shared decision making between the patient and surgeon. The International Neural Monitoring Study Group (INMSG) feels complete discussion of IONM in the preoperative planning and patient consent process is important in all patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Training Courses in Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery- The INMSG Consensus Statement.

Intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) is now an integral aspect of thyroid surgery in many centers. Interest in IONM and the number of institutions that perform monitored thyroidectomies have increased throughout the world in recent years. For surgeons considering the introduction of IONM in their practice, specific training in IONM devices and procedures can substantially shorten the learning curve.

What the thyroid cancer patient wants to know: ThyCa survey by the American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section.

Objective: To survey a large cohort of thyroid cancer survivors from ThyCa on information needs and expectations of their treatment to better understand the pretreatment counseling, information, and support needs of this population.

Methods: Anonymous survey of thyroid cancer survivors.

Results: One thousand one hundred twenty-four patients with thyroid cancer participated in the survey.