Efficacy and Oncologic Outcomes of Thermal Ablation Techniques in the Treatment of Primary Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and oncologic outcomes of thermal ablation techniques, including radiofrequency, laser, and microwave ablation, in treating primary thyroid cancer compared with surgical resection.

Method: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis, which included 21 comparative studies and 40 noncomparative studies.

Results: The three thermal ablation techniques showed significant superiority over surgical resection in terms of operative time, pain, cost, quality of life, and complications.

Outcomes and effectiveness of active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of active surveillance (AS) in patients with low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and compare them to those of immediate surgery (IS).

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis, including 14 comparative studies and 7 noncomparative studies, was conducted, encompassing a total of 9,397 patients.

Results: AS was associated with lower rates of familial history of thyroid cancer, multiplicity, and overall mortality compared to IS.

Position Statement about Gender-Neutral HPV Vaccination in Korea.

Given the rising incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, including cervical, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, particularly among men, the implementation of comprehensive HPV vaccination strategies is necessary in South Korea. This position statement advocates the introduction of gender-neutral vaccination (GNV) in the country. It recommends the administration of the HPV vaccine to both men and women aged 9-26 years to prevent a broad spectrum of HPV-related conditions.

Efficacy of postoperative radioactive iodine therapy for patients with low and intermediate risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) and its impact on recurrence rates and survival benefits in low- to intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods: This retrospective study involved the examination of 1286 patients diagnosed with low- to intermediate-risk PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection, supplemented with postoperative RAI therapy or not between the years 2000 and 2021.

Results: From the patient pool, 589 (45%) were classified as low-risk and 697 (55%) as intermediate-risk according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines.

Feasibility of remote-access and minimally invasive video-assisted approaches in lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and surgical outcomes of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and three remote-access approaches, namely the robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA-R), endoscopic breast-chest approach (BCA-E), and robotic gasless transaxillary approach (GTAA-R) in lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma, compared with conventional transcervical approach (CTA).

Methods: The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, covering the period January 2000 to February 2024. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed to compare surgical feasibility, safety, and oncologic outcomes between approaches.

Oncologic outcomes and surgical completeness of remote-access thyroidectomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: The oncologic safety and surgical completeness of remote-access thyroidectomies are not yet clearly established. This study evaluates the oncologic outcomes and surgical completeness of three prevalent remote-access thyroidectomies: the gasless transaxillary approach (GTAA), bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), and transoral approach (TOA), in comparison with conventional transcervical thyroidectomy (CTT).

Methods: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases, covering the period from 2000 to 2023.

Long-term functional swallowing and speech outcomes after transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer.

Objectives: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as a minimally invasive approach for oropharyngeal cancer, aiming to improve functional preservation and reduce morbidity. However, the long-term effects on speech and swallowing, crucial aspects of quality of life, remain unclear. This study investigates the long-term functional swallowing and speech outcomes of TORS for oropharyngeal cancer.

Surgical Training Using Augmented Reality-Based Optical Head-Mounted Displays: A Pilot Study.

While the educational benefits of the modern techniques such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) have been suggested, there is still a lack of reports on actual surgeons' experiences. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a holographic AR-based surgical training in tonsillectomy. Two otolaryngologists, 1 trainee and 1 instructor, performed 5 tonsillectomies using an AR headset (HoloLens 2, Microsoft, USA).

Clinical impact of coexistent chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on central lymph node metastasis in low- to intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: The MASTER study.

Background: The clinicopathological impact of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma patients is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathologic differences and risk factors for central lymph node metastasis based on the presence of coexistent chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in patients with low- to intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods: The medical records of 1,022 patients with low- to intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent lobectomy and central neck dissection between June 2020 and March 2022 were reviewed.

Case Report: Two cases of recurrences at the suprasternal space and lymph nodes between the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Recently, lymph node metastasis to the suprasternal space (SSLN) and lymph nodes between the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles (LNSS) have received attention. This article reports two cases of SSLN and LNSS recurrence and emphasizes the need for a thorough evaluation and consideration of the possibility of recurrence in this region. The clinical significance of the prophylactic dissection of SSLN and LNSS remains unclear, and further studies are required to determine its value.

Longitudinal Changes in Quality of Life Before and After Thyroidectomy in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to assess longitudinal variations in health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) before and after thyroidectomy.

Methods: A cohort of 185 DTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2013 and December 2017 and who completed all necessary questionnaires was evaluated. Their HR-QOL was gauged using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire (UW-QOL) and the City of Hope Quality of Life-Thyroid Version questionnaire (QOL-TV) both prior to surgery and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years postoperatively.

Evaluation of the validity and reliability of a self-assessment questionnaire for cosmetic outcomes after thyroidectomy: a cross-sectional validation study.

Purpose: The Self-Assessment Questionnaire for Cosmetic Outcomes (SAQCO) was developed by us to evaluate the cosmetic outcome of patients after thyroidectomy. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of SAQCO.

Methods: We analyzed the cosmetic outcomes of 368 patients who underwent thyroidectomy and completed the SAQCO 1 year after surgery.

Patient-reported swallowing outcomes after transoral robotic thyroidectomy: Comparison with conventional transcervical thyroidectomy.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the swallowing outcomes after transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) and compare them with those of conventional transcervical thyroidectomy.

Method: We enrolled 146 patients who underwent thyroidectomy (73 TORT; 73 conventional approach). We prospectively analyzed swallowing outcomes using the Swallowing Impairment Index-6 (SIS-6) questionnaire, a patient-reported measure, before and 1, 3, and 6 days; 1, 3, and 6 months; and 1 year after surgery.

Incidence and risk factors of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia after hemithyroidectomy.

Purpose: The incidence and risk factors for hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy is well-known. However, the characteristics of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia after hemithyroidectomy have not been investigated well. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia after hemithyroidectomy.

Impact of Alcohol Dehydrogenase 7 Polymorphism and Alcohol Consumption on Risk of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Korean Case-Control Study.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is closely associated with alcohol consumption and individual genetic susceptibility, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). This study aimed to investigate the association of ADH7 SNPs with the risk of HNSCC.

Methods: We analyzed ADH7 rs1573496C>G, rs3737482T>C, rs1154460G>A, and rs284787T>C SNPs in 250 patients with HNSCC and 322 controls in the Korean populations.

Serial Changes in Parotid Gland Volume and Symptoms After Radiation Therapy in Oropharyngeal Cancer.

To evaluate the serial changes in the volume of the parotid gland and clinical symptoms after a course of radiation therapy (RT) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. : A total of 33 patients who were diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer and had been treated with RT or concurrent chemoradiation therapy were evaluated. Parotid gland volumes were measured serially by head and neck computed tomography with contrast-enhanced images before RT, and 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after RT.

Guideline for the Surgical Management of Locally Invasive Differentiated Thyroid Cancer From the Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery.

The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for determining the surgical extent in patients with locally invasive differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Locally invasive DTC with gross extrathyroidal extension invading surrounding anatomical structures may lead to several functional deficits and poor oncological outcomes. At present, the optimal extent of surgery in locally invasive DTC remains a matter of debate, and there are no adequate guidelines.

Five-Year Oncologic Outcome and Surgical Completeness of Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Comparison with Conventional Transcervical Thyroidectomy Using Propensity Score Matching.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes and surgical completeness of transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) compared with conventional transcervical thyroidectomy.

Methods: We analyzed 489 patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy with or without central neck dissection (CND; 311 conventional thyroidectomy and 178 TORT) between January 2017 and December 2021. Patients with gross invasion of the surrounding structures, revision or completion thyroidectomy, and lateral neck dissection were excluded.

Age-Dependent Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with T1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Implications for the Possibility of Active Surveillance.

Background: Active surveillance (AS) of low-risk T1a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is generally accepted as an alternative to immediate surgery. The cut-off in the size criterion for AS has recently been extended in select individuals, especially older patients. We evaluated the clinicopathological differences of T1b PTC according to age to investigate the possibility of AS in older patients.

Feasibility of transoral robotic selective neck dissection with or without a postauricular incision for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A pilot study.

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transoral robotic selective neck dissection (SND) with or without a postauricular incision for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods: We studied 14 patients with PTC who underwent robotic SND the transoral or combined transoral and postauricular approaches.

Results: The transoral approach was performed on 10 patients for dissection of levels III and IV.

Occult metastasis to the superficial level VI lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of occult metastasis to superficial level VI, defined as the space anterior to the strap muscles, including the lymph nodes between the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles and suprasternal space lymph nodes.

Methods: We studied 129 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent thyroidectomy and neck dissection, including superficial level VI dissection.

Results: Of the 129 patients, 62 (48%) had lymph nodes in the harvested specimens of superficial level VI, and the mean number of lymph nodes retrieved was 1.