LAUSR

Background prognosis, identify clinicopathological characteristics, and determine optimal modalities for cT1N0M0 solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma in the isthmus (PTCI). Methods The clinical data of 124 patients with cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI from 3 medical centers were analyzed retrospectively. Of these, 32 participants had undergone total thyroidectomy plus unilateral central neck dissection, 36 had received total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection, 24 had less-than-total thyroidectomy plus unilateral central neck dissection, and 32 had less-than-total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection. We compared the effects of different surgical modalities and clinicopathological characteristics on the prognosis of cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI. Results There was no significant difference in postoperative recurrence-free survival between participants who received different extents of central region lymph node dissection and thyroidectomies (P>0.05). Temporary hypocalcemia occurred in participants who underwent total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection [chi-square (χ2) =7.87, P=0.005]. Tumors with primary lesions ≥0.55 cm were prone to have central lymph node metastasis [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51 to 0.71, P=0.047]. Multiple logistic analysis suggested that age over 55 years [odds ratio (OR) =11.90, 95% CI: 1.36 to 104.03, P=0.025], tumor size greater than 0.55 cm (OR =4.16, 95% CI: 1.28 to 13.52, P=0.018), and absence of nodular goiter (OR =2.57, 95% CI: 1.05 to 6.32, P=0.04) were risk factors for central lymph node metastasis of patients with cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI. Conclusions Less-than-total thyroidectomy is recommended for patients with cT1N0M0 solitary PTCI. Central lymph node dissection is recommended for patients who are prone to have central occult lymph node metastases with tumor size ≥55 cm, older than 55 years, and without nodular goiter.