Evaluation of Surgical Approaches in the Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: The most prevalent kind of thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), frequently necessitates surgery as the main course of treatment. The degree of surgical intervention affects the recurrence and complication rates, even with a great prognosis. The purpose of this study is to assess the results of various surgical approaches to PTC management. Objectives: To evaluate and contrast, in patients with papillary thyroid cancer, the efficacy, recurrence rates, and complication profiles of different surgical techniques, such as hemithyroidectomy and complete thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India from November 2019 to October 2020. There were 120 individuals in all who had a histological diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical procedure they underwent: total thyroidectomy, hemithyroidectomy, or total thyroidectomy combined with central neck dissection. Analysis was done on postoperative results, complications, and recurrence rates. Results: Of the 120 patients, 18 had total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection, 34 had hemithyroidectomy, and 68 had total thyroidectomy. Recurrence rates were considerably lower in the group that underwent a whole thyroidectomy than in the group that underwent a hemithyroidectomy (5.8% vs. 17.6%). Patients receiving complete thyroidectomy with central neck dissection were more likely to experience hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. All groups had an average hospital stay of 4.2 ± 1.3 days. Conclusion: Although total thyroidectomy is linked to a higher risk of postoperative complications, it provides better oncological control with a lower recurrence rate in cases of papillary thyroid cancer. For the best results, customized surgical planning based on patient characteristics and tumor features is essential.