Bilateral central lymph node dissection with thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer

Objectives The aims of the study were to evaluate the frequency and pattern of central neck lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer and its relation to the lateral neck lymph node metastasis. Also, this study aimed to evaluate the complications of central neck dissection.

Background The indications and extent of central lymph node dissection (CLND) in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma remain controversial, and its therapeutic effect remains debatable. 

Patients and methods A total of 30 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer were treated from 2011 to 2013. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral central neck dissection. In patients with positive central lymph node metastases in frozen section, we performed ipsilateral lateral lymph node dissection removing levels II to V. Central lymph node metastases were analyzed. In addition, we investigated postoperative …