Quality Indicators of Central Compartment Neck Dissection in Thyroid Surgery

Objectives Quality metrics are an increasingly important means of improving patient care. Variability in the number of lymph nodes removed during central compartment lymph node dissection (CCLND) at the time of thyroidectomy has not been studied. Study Design A retrospective cohort study was performed using American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data. Setting Centers in North America and worldwide contributing data to ACS-NSQIP and performing thyroidectomy on adults in inpatient and outpatient settings were included. Subjects and Methods Adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy with or without CCLND were included. Outcomes of interest were number of nodes removed during CCLND and risks of postoperative hypocalcemia. Results In total, 6108 patients met inclusion criteria (1565 with CCLND). The median number of lymph nodes removed during CCLND was 2. There was no statistically significant association between postoperative hypocalcemia and CCNLD, regardless of number of nodes removed. However, we were underpowered to detect this association based on the overall low nodal yield of many CCLNDs performed. Conclusion In many cases where CCLND is documented as part of thyroidectomy, very few lymph nodes are removed. Our ability to draw conclusions regarding the effect of CCLND on postoperative hypocalcemia is restricted due to the limited nature of many CCLNDs performed.