Aim of the study: Report as contribution to the controversy between supporters of total thyroidectomy versus "less than total" thyroidectomy.
Materials and methods: 42 patient operated on over six years; 35 treated with total thyroidectomy, 7 with lobohystmectomy.
Results: In the patients who underwent total thyroidectomy we observed recurrent nerve lesions in 5.7%, hypoparathyroidism in 14.3% and 1 lymph nodal relapse (it was a cancer stay III); in patients who underwent lobohystmectomy, we observed 1 temporary recurrent nerve palsy (14.2%) and 1 lymph nodal relapse (14.2%).
Discussion: The choice between total thyroidectomy and lobohystermectomy depends upon different goals: reduction in risk of relapse in total thyroidectomy, to minimize complications in lobohystmectomy. In our series the risk of lymph nodal relapse seems to depend more on biological characters of the tumour than surgical tech of lymphadenectomy; however, this occurrence does not change prognosis.
Conclusions: In our experience, potential multifocality of the disease, low risk of hyatrogenic lesions and easy postoperatory management make total thyroidectomy the our preferred technique. Informed consensus is mandatory in order to involve the patients to the best choice.