Routine central neck dissection in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective/hypothesis: The role of central neck dissection (CND) remains controversial in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on surgical morbidities and locoregional recurrence after total thyroidectomy (TT) with CND versus TT alone was performed.

Results: Sixteen trials were analyzed. There was no increased risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury (temporary or permanent), permanent hypocalcemia, or locoregional recurrence when CND was performed in addition to TT. Postoperative temporary hypocalcemia was more common after TT with CND than after TT alone.

Conclusions: TT alone results in less surgical morbidity in the immediate postoperative period and an identical locoregional recurrence rate compared with TT plus CND.