Lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A review

Background Thyroid cancer is on the rise globally, there is increasing adoption of lobectomy for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. Aims The current review aimed to assess lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy in low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Methods A systematic electronic search was conducted in the Pub Med and Google Scholar with no limitation of the period, 85 articles published in English were retrieved, two researchers screened the abstract for removal of duplications. Twenty-one articles fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Among the twenty-one articles included (more than two-thirds were retrospective), eleven were from the USA, two from Europe, six from Asia, one from Canada and one from Australia. The results were mixed, some preferred lobectomy, others were on the side of total thyroidectomy, while some advised to weigh the risks and benefits. Conclusion The results were mixed regarding the mode of surgery in low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. Further, well-designed studies are needed to solve the current controversy.