Morbidity of central compartment dissection for differentiated thyroid carcinoma of the follicular epithelium

SummaryObjectivesTo study the morbidity of central compartment dissection in differentiated thyroid carcinoma of the follicular epithelium.Material and methodA retrospective study of 83 patients (61 patients operated by total thyroidectomy and 22 patients operated by total thyroidectomy and central dissection) was performed. Postoperative serum calcium and laryngeal mobility were studied and statistically compared (Chi2 test, Fisher's exact test).ResultsNo significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis or permanent hypoparathyroidism. In contrast, transient hypoparathyroidism was more frequent among patients undergoing thyroidectomy associated with central dissection (P = 0.02).ConclusionCentral compartment dissection associated with total thyroidectomy does not increase the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis or permanent hypoparathyroidism, but is responsible for an increased rate of transient hypoparathyroidism.