Incidental Parathyroidectomy Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate rates of incidental parathyroidectomy(IP) and to determine risk factors among children undergoing thyroid surgery.

Study design: Retrospective case-control study.

Methods: Pediatric patients undergoing thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection were included in this retrospective cohort study over a 20 year period. Demographics, clinical features, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. The primary outcome was the presence of parathyroid tissue in the surgical specimen.

Results: Two hundred and eighty-six patients were included (100 cases with ≥1 parathyroid gland found in the pathology specimen and 186 controls). The most common surgical indication was cancer (49%), followed by benign nodule (25%). Hemithyroidectomy was performed in 119 (42%) patients, total thyroidectomy in 138 (48%), and completion in 29 (10%). Central neck dissection (CND) and lateral neck dissection were performed in 41% and 13%, respectively. 27 (9%) patients had parathyroid reimplantation. On univariable analysis, diagnosis, adenopathy on preoperative ultrasound, extent of thyroidectomy, neck dissection, and parathyroid reimplantation were significant predictors of IP. On multivariate analysis, CND > 5 nodes were the sole predictor of IP. Patients with IP were more likely to require postoperative calcium/vitamin D supplementation compared to those without (44% vs. 16%; P < .001).

Conclusions: Incidental parathyroidectomy during pediatric thyroidectomy is relatively common. CND was independently predictive of IP. There were increased rates of postoperative hypocalcemia when 1 or more parathyroid gland was identified in the specimen. Reimplantation of 1 parathyroid gland was predictive of another gland in the specimen. Anticipating outcomes may help optimize patient care by allowing for early supplementation, frequent monitoring, and consideration of ancillary monitoring modalities in high-risk procedures.

Level of evidence: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 132:2262-2269, 2022.

Keywords: Pediatric thyroid cancer; indications for surgery; parathyroid preservation; thyroid; thyroid surgery.