Significance of lymph node dissection in central neck region in treatment of stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective】To study the clinical significance of dissection of lymph node in central neck region in the treatment of stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma.【Methods】The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively of 46 cases with papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing dissection of lymph node who were admitted from 1998 to 2006 in order to study the metastasis rate of lymph node in central neck region,the re-operation rate after recurrence following dissection of lymph node,complication incidence.【Results】22 cases suffered from metastasis of lymph nodes in central neck region accounted for 47.8%.4 cases from post-operation complications and the incidence rate was 8.7%,1 case from temporary recurrent nerve paralysis,2 cases from hypoparathyroidism(recovered to normal after treatment),1 case from chylous fistula(recovered one week after pressure dressing).1 year after operation 2 cases suffered from metastasis of lymph node to lateral neck region.They underwent elective lateral dissection without damaging recurrent laryngeal nerve and the re-operation rate was 4.3%.【Conclusions】Metastasis rate of lymph node in central neck region for stage Ⅰ papillary thyroid carcinoma is high and it is desirable to implement dissection of lymph nodes in central neck region with the purpose of cutting re-operation rate after recurrence and with the benefits of low incidence of complications.