Cervical lymphadenectomy in thyroid cancer is a frequent intervention with around 20,000 operations per year in Germany. Some of the complications are identical with those in thyroid surgery, such as recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypoparathyroidism as well as postoperative bleeding and wound infection. Specific complications of lateral lymphadenectomy are lesions of the accessory, phrenic and hypoglossal nerves, the sympathetic trunk and cervical plexus as well as lesions of the salivary glands and lymphatic vessels, in particular the thoracic duct. Most of these complications are rare with a frequency of less than 1%. Profound knowledge of the anatomy and a meticulous dissection technique make a decisive contribution to minimizing these complications.

BACKGROUND:Many studies showed that hospital and surgeon volume have a significant influence on the complication rates of thyroid surgery. The present study investigates whether this relationship applies in subtotal as well as total lobe resections. Furthermore, it is still unclear which threshold for the hospital-related case volume can be determined, above which the risk of complications lies below the current national average.MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study was based on nationwide routine data for persons insured with the Local General Sickness Fund (AOK) who had undergone thyroid surgery in 2014-2016. Permanent vocal cord palsy, bleeding and wound infection needing revision were recorded using indicators. The effect of the case volume on the indicators and the case number threshold was determined using logistic regression.RESULTS:Permanent vocal cord palsy was observed in 1.3% and bleeding or wound infections needing revision in 1.6% and 0.3% of the cases. Compared to hospitals with >450 surgeries per year, the risk of permanent vocal cord palsy in hospitals with fewer than 201, 101 and 51 surgeries was significantly increased (OR [95% CI]: 1.5 [1.1-2.1]; 1.5 [1.1-2.1]; 1.8 [1.3-2.5]). The threshold needed to achieve a risk for permanent vocal cord palsy below the national average (1.3%) was 265 thyroid surgeries per year (95% CI: 110-420). For bleeding or wound infection in need of revision, no association between volume and outcome was found.CONCLUSION:The present study showed that the risk of postoperative permanent vocal cord palsy decreased with increasing case volume. The broad confidence interval of the threshold makes clear case volume recommendation difficult. In order that the risk for a postoperative permanent vocal cord palsy is not likely above the national average, the annual case volume should reach 110 thyroid interventions.

Zusammenfassung Die zervikale Lymphadenektomie ist beim Schilddrüsenkarzinom ein häufiger Eingriff mit etwa 20.000 Operationen pro Jahr in Deutschland. Ein Teil der Komplikationen sind deckungsgleich mit den Komplikationen der Schilddrüsenchirurgie, insbesondere die N.-laryngeus-recurrens-Parese und der Hypoparathyreoidismus sowie Nachblutung und Wundinfektion. Spezifische Komplikationen der lateralen zervikalen Lymphknotendissektion sind die Verletzungen von N. accessorius, phrenicus und hypoglossus, Grenzstrang und Plexus cervicalis sowie Verletzungen der Speicheldrüsen und der Lymphbahnen, insbesondere des D. thoracicus. Die meisten dieser Komplikationen sind sehr selten mit einer Häufigkeit von unter 1 %. Profunde anatomische Kenntnisse und eine sorgfältige Dissektionstechnik tragen entscheidend zur Minimierung der Komplikationen bei.

Background and aimsPrevious guidelines addressing surgery of adrenal tumors required actualization in adaption of developments in the area. The present guideline aims to provide practical and qualified recommendations on an evidence-based level reviewing the prevalent literature for the surgical therapy of adrenal tumors referring to patients of all age groups in operative medicine who require adrenal surgery. It primarily addresses general and visceral surgeons but offers information for all medical doctors related to conservative, ambulatory or inpatient care, rehabilitation, and general practice as well as pediatrics. It extends to interested patients to improve the knowledge and participation in the decision-making process regarding indications and methods of management of adrenal tumors. Furthermore, it provides effective medical options for the surgical treatment of adrenal lesions and balances positive and negative effects. Specific clinical questions addressed refer to indication, diagnostic procedures, effective therapeutic alternatives to surgery, type and extent of surgery, and postoperative management and follow-up regime.MethodsA PubMed research using specific key words identified literature to be considered and was evaluated for evidence previous to a formal Delphi decision process that finalized consented recommendations in a multidisciplinary setting.ResultsOverall, 12 general and 52 specific recommendations regarding surgery for adrenal tumors were generated and complementary comments provided.ConclusionEffective and balanced medical options for the surgical treatment of adrenal tumors are provided on evidence-base. Specific clinical questions regarding indication, diagnostic procedures, alternatives to and type as well as extent of surgery for adrenal tumors including postoperative management are addressed.

Zusammenfassung Resektionen der Schilddrüse stellen mit 76.140 Eingriffen im Jahr 2016 (Quelle Destatis) eine der häufigsten Operationen in Deutschland dar. Überwiegend handelt es sich hierbei um benigne Schilddrüsenerkrankungen. Empfehlungen zur operativen Therapie benigner Schilddrüsenerkrankungen wurden durch die CAEK (Chirurgische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Endokrinologie) vor dem Hintergrund zunehmend radikalerer Resektionsverfahren zuletzt 2010 als S2k-Leitlinie publiziert (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e.V. [AWMF] 003/002). Hemithyreoidektomien bzw. Thyreoidektomien werden in der Praxis routinemäßig zur Behandlung gutartiger Schilddrüsenerkrankungen eingesetzt. Die operationsspezifischen Risiken nehmen mit dem Resektionsausmaß deutlich zu. Darum erfordert die Risiko-Indikations-Abwägung zwischen unilateraler Lobektomie oder Thyreoidektomie eine unabhängige seitengetrennte Indikationsstellung. Insbesondere dieses Prinzip wurde der Aktualisierung der Leitlinien zugrunde gelegt. Darüber hinaus fanden auch die zuvor formulierten Empfehlungen der CAEK zur korrekten Durchführung und Konsequenzen des intraoperativen Neuromonitorings Eingang in die Leitlinien, welche insbesondere der Vermeidung beidseitiger Stimmlippenparesen dienen. Ergänzend wurden die Empfehlungen zur Behandlung postoperativer Komplikationen wie des Hypoparathyreoidismus und postoperativer Infektionen überarbeitet. Die aktualisierten Leitlinien stellen somit den derzeitigen Stand der Wissenschaft bzw. die hieraus resultierende chirurgische Praxis dar.

Thyroid resections represent one of the most common operations with 76,140 interventions in the year 2016 in Germany (source Destatis). These are predominantly benign thyroid gland diseases. Recommendations for the operative treatment of benign thyroid diseases were last published by the CAEK in 2010 as S2k guidelines (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e.V. [AWMF] 003/002) against the background of increasingly more radical resection procedures. Hemithyroidectomy and thyroidectomy are routinely performed for benign thyroid disease in practice. The operation-specific risks show a clear increase with the extent of the resection. Therefore, weighing-up of the risk-indications ratio between unilateral lobectomy or thyroidectomy necessitates an independent evaluation of the indications for both sides. This principle in particular has been used to update the guidelines. In addition, the previously published recommendations of the CAEK for correct execution and consequences of intraoperative neuromonitoring were included into the guidelines, which in particular serve the aim to avoid bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Moreover, the recommendations for the treatment of postoperative complications, such as hypoparathyroidism and postoperative infections were revised. The updated guidelines therefore represent the current state of the science as well as the resulting surgical practice.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is an intrinsic complication of thyroid surgery. Prevention of nerve palsy is considered to be a feature of quality in this very frequently performed operation. Risk factors and prevention strategies are demonstrated and discussed with reference to the current literature. Exact knowledge of the anatomy and possible variants of the track of the recurrent laryngeal nerve as well as its visualization and careful dissection are the cornerstones for nerve preservation. The use of intraoperative neuromonitoring allows preservation of the anatomical structure and functional integrity of the nerve and lesions which are not visible can be detected. Preconditions for correct interpretation are a standardized application and preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy.

Operationen an Schilddrüse und Nebenschilddrüse zählen mit über 100 000 Eingriffen pro Jahr in Deutschland zu den häufigsten Operationen in der Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie. Die epidemiologisch nach wie vor hohe Prävalenz von Schilddrüsenknoten in Deutschland und die diagnostische Unschärfe in der Dignitätseinschätzung dieser Knoten bedingen die vergleichsweise hohe Operationsfrequenz. Screeninguntersuchungen der Schilddrüse und Routinemessung von Kalzium im Serum führen zu einer früheren Diagnose von Schilddrüsen- und Nebenschilddrüsenerkrankungen. Insofern hat sich das Spektrum der Patienten hin zu kleineren und früheren Befunden verändert. Die zudem enorme Entwicklung in der operativ-technischen Ausstattung und der steigende Anspruch der Patienten hatten zur Folge, dass sich die minimalinvasive Chirurgie auch in der endokrinen Chirurgie stark verbreitet hat und großen Zuspruch seitens der Patienten sowie der Operateure erfährt. Die minimalinvasiven Techniken haben sich zu einem festen Bestandteil im operativen Repertoire der Schilddrüsen- und Nebenschilddrüsenerkrankungen etabliert. Dennoch bedarf es einer kritischen Evaluation der operativ-technischen Verfahren hinsichtlich ihrer Indikation und des Nutzens für den Patienten im Vergleich zu existierenden Methoden der konventionellen Chirurgie.

Die Rekurrensparese ist eine wesentliche Komplikation in der Schilddrüsenchirurgie. Die Vermeidung der Rekurrensparese gilt als ein Qualitätsmerkmal dieser sehr häufigen Operation. Es werden Risikofaktoren und Vermeidungsstrategien dargelegt und anhand der aktuellen Literatur erörtert. Die exakten anatomischen Kenntnisse mit den möglichen Varianten des Nervenverlaufs sowie die visuelle Darstellung und sorgfältige Präparation des Rekurrensnerven sind der Grundstein für die Nervenschonung. Der Einsatz des Neuromonitorings ermöglicht die Sicherung der anatomischen Struktur und der funktionellen Integrität des Nerven und kann Schäden detektieren, die rein visuell nicht erkennbar sind. Voraussetzung für die korrekte Interpretation sind eine standardisierte Anwendung und die prä- und postoperative Laryngoskopie.

Intraoperative complications of neck surgery are uncommon and rarely life-threatening and exact anatomical knowledge and precise dissection are most important for prevention. Anatomical variants (e.g. non-recurrent nerve, extralaryngeal branching) predispose to damage of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) can prevent bilateral nerve damage but in cases of accidental nerve damage primary reconstruction can improve vocal cord function. Autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue can reduce the rate of hypoparathyroidism but cannot be postulated as a routine measure. Intraoperative bleeding can usually be well controlled and greater danger for the patient emanates from early postoperative bleeding for which many techniques (clip, ligature, vessel sealing) can be employed for prevention. Lesions of the thoracic duct can be controlled by clip, ligation or stitch. Smaller lesions of the trachea and esophagus can be secured with direct suture or muscle flap plasty. In cases of larger lesions plastic reconstruction or organ replacement can be necessary.

BACKGROUND:In contrast with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, malignancies are of minor importance in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) syndrome. METHODS:The data for 42 patients with MEN 1 syndrome were evaluated. Twelve patients (29%) had 1 or more associated malignancies: malignant gastrinoma (1 patient), neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus (2 patients), neuroendocrine tumors of the lung (3 patients), neuroendocrine tumor of the ileum (1 patient), adrenocortical carcinomas (2 patients), and a combination of neuroendocrine tumors of thymus, lung or pancreas (3 patients). RESULTS:Despite suspected MEN 1 syndrome in 7 patients, malignancies were detected late in 4 patients and could not be resected curatively. The survival rates for 5 years and 10 years after operation of the malignant tumor were 66% +/- 14% (SE) and 33% +/- 15% (SE), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:In patients at risk for the MEN 1 syndrome, genetic screening is indispensable. Gene carriers have to be followed up closely with hormone analysis and routine examination of the thorax, pancreas, and adrenal glands to detect malignancies as early as possible.

We present a case of increased I-131 uptake in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma with local recurrence and distant metastases after a second treatment with retinoic acid as a sign of redifferentiation of the tumor cells. When fine-needle aspiration cytology before and after a second course of retinoic acid treatment were compared, signs of tumor cell redifferentiation were found. This was accompanied by biochemical reexpression of thyroid marker proteins.

The development of biochemical and genetic screening tests for inherited endocrine diseases has dramatically changed our approach to surgical patients with endocrine tumors. Among more than 1800 patients with endocrine tumors and a possible inherited disease operated on between 1986 and 1997, there were 6.1% to 7.3% who were found to have a familial disease associated with familial medullary thyroid cancer, (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIa (MEN-IIa), MEN-IIb, or MEN-I. Genetic testing for the RET proto-oncogene is therefore recommended for all patients with MTC, and testing for the MEN-I gene is recommended in patients with suspected MEN-I and in specific clinical subgroups with an increased probability of endocrine tumor heredity. Early treatment based on early diagnosis by genetic testing appears to improve survival and to decrease morbidity in these patients.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism has changed substantially during recent years. Routine serum calcium measurements and development of specific as well as sensitive PTH assays made primary hyperparathyroidism the most prevalent diagnosis of hypercalcaemia in the normal population. With increasing numbers of asymptomatic patients secondary complications are reduced but the demands made on surgeon's technical skill are much higher. In view of our experience in 329 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism during the last sir years and a success rate of 98% we refrain from any localisation technique and advocate visualisation of all four glands.