Surgeon-performed ultrasound changes surgical management in patients with thyroid cancer

Tapia, M; Chia, C; Manji, J; Magarey, MJR; Flatman, S

Author(s): Tapia, M; Chia, C; Manji, J; Magarey, MJR; Flatman, S;
Details: Publication Year 2022-12,Volume 92,Issue #12,Page 3268-3272
Journal Title: ANZ Journal of Surgery
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: A comprehensive neck ultrasound (US) is essential in the operative planning of patients with thyroid disease. Recent literature has shown surgeon-performed US (SUS) can be more accurate than radiology-performed US for the purpose of surgical planning. Missed findings on radiology-performed ultrasound may lead to inadequate surgical management. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer, with both radiology-performed US and SUS performed by a Head and Neck surgeon. Ultrasound findings and adherence to American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines were compared, and changes in management based on SUS findings were identified. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection met the inclusion criteria. Preconsultation US investigations fulfilled criteria as recommended by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines in 57.7%% of cases. The central and lateral neck compartments were assessed in 57.7% and 84.6% of preconsultation US investigations respectively. Central and lateral metastatic neck metastases were incorrectly reported or not reported in 78.6% and 42.3% of cases. The SUS findings prompted a change in surgical management in 65.4% of cases. CONCLUSION: SUS changed surgical management in two thirds (65.4%) of patients. Reliance on radiology-performed ultrasound alone may result in incorrect staging. Awareness of the additional benefits of SUS is important for surgeons treating patients with thyroid disease to prevent inadequate surgery being performed.
Publisher: Wiley
Keywords: Humans; Retrospective Studies; *Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging/surgery/pathology; Thyroidectomy; Neck Dissection; *Surgeons; diagnostic ultrasound; lymph node metastasis; surgeon-performed ultrasound; thyroid cancer
Department(s): Surgical Oncology
PubMed ID: 36151922
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.18018
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2025-04-11 08:06:39

Last Modified: 2025-04-11 08:08:00