The Role of Prophylactic Central Compartment Lymph Node Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, accounting for the majority of thyroid cancer cases. Management strategies for DTC involve surgical resection, which may include prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection (pCCLND) to improve disease control. This study evaluates the role of prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) without clinically evident lymph node metastasis.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of pCCLND on recurrence-free survival and postoperative complications in patients with DTC. Secondary objectives included evaluating the histopathological findings and identifying the prognostic factors related to lymph node metastasis.

Methods: A total of 150 patients with DTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without pCCLND between 2017 and 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Recurrence-free survival, postoperative complications, and histopathological findings were analyzed.

Results: The incidence of lymph node metastasis in patients undergoing pCCLND was significant, with a recurrence-free survival rate of 85%. The complication rate was lower in the pCCLND group compared to those without dissection.

Conclusion: Prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection in DTC patients can significantly improve recurrence-free survival, but careful patient selection is crucial to minimize postoperative complications.

Keywords: Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma, Prophylactic Central Compartment Lymph Node Dissection, Lymph Node Metastasis, Thyroid Surgery, Postoperative Complications, Recurrence-Free Survival.