[Diagnostic, therapeutic and healtcare management protocols in thyroid surgery. I consensus conference (UEC club)].

The aim of the study was to draw up a management protocol in thyroid surgery promoted by the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (Club delle UEC), shared by the experts and applied by the operators in the sector. The management protocols already presented in February 2002 and drawn up by the first Author of the present publication on the occasion of the current review were examined by the I Consensus Conference called on the topic by the Italian Endocrine Surgery Units. The conference comprised two distinct sessions, the first on 18 June 2005 within the framework of the 4th National Congress of the Club delle UEC in Naples, and the second on 17 September 2005 within the framework of the 8th Multidisciplinary Scanno Prize Meeting. A selected board of endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons, chaired by Aldo Pinchera and comprising the first nine Authors of this paper, examined the individual chapters in close collaboration with the other Authors, comparing their findings with the opinions of the experts cited in the text and submitting the consensus text for the approval of all those present. The diagnostic, therapeutic and healtcare management protocols in thyroid surgery approved by the I Consensus Conference are officially those proposed by the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (Club delle UEC) and are subject to review by October 1, 2007.