OBJECTIVETo analyze the indication of reoperation of thyroid cancer and to explore the timing, surgical pattern of reoperation.

METHODSProtocols of 72 patients underwent reoperation of thyroid cancer from June 2003 to August 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Causes for reoperation were as follows: residue of the tumor locally as the inappropriate initial operation; local recurrence and cervical lymph node metastasis; before (131)I ablation which differentiated thyroid cancer with distant place metastasis. The reoperation style included residual lobectomy plus isthmus with single tumor below 2 cm, total thyroidectomy in most the other conditions and selective lymph node dissection in finding or suspected cervical lymph node metastasis.

RESULTSThe rate of residual in thyroid confirmed by postoperative pathology was 47.1% (32/68). The rate of residual in cervical lymph node was 81.4% (35/43). The rates of temporary and permanent laryngeal recurrent nerve injury were 5.6% (4/72) and 1.4% (1/72) respectively. The rates of temporary and permanent hypocalcemia were 26.4% (19/72) and 1.4% (1/72) respectively.

CONCLUSIONSInadequate operation, local recurrence and cervical lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer need revision surgery undoubtedly. The optimal treatment was total thyroidectomy and level VI, VII central compartment lymph node dissection plus intraoperative frozen-section evaluation.