Akay EDİZSOY, Nihal ÇINAR ÖZCAN, Bekir DOĞAN, Ahmet DAĞ
Meandros Medical and Dental Journal - 2026;27(2):204-209
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term oncological outcomes and complication profile of therapeutic lateral neck dissection in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) performed by a single experienced surgeon. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 21 patients who underwent lateral neck dissection for DTC between 2015 and 2020. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical details, complications, recurrence data, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.6+/-12.4 years. Lateral neck dissections were performed simultaneously with total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. The average lymph node yield per patient was 30.7+/-10.6. The most commonly involved level was level IV. Transient complications included hypocalcemia (14.3%) and shoulder dysfunction (9.5%), all resolved with conservative management. Recurrence occurred in two patients (9.5%) during a median follow-up of 41 months (IQR: 36-54). Conclusion: Therapeutic lateral neck dissection, when performed by an experienced thyroid surgeon, is associated with low recurrence and acceptable morbidity. Adequate lymphadenectomy and standardized technique are key to optimal long-term oncological outcomes.
