Track recurrence after remote‐access thyroid surgeries: A systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Remote-access thyroidectomies have gained popularity, but track recurrence, which is the implantation of thyroid tissue or lesions along the surgical access route, has been reported in case studies. This systematic review aims to review cases of track recurrence following remote-access thyroidectomies. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify case reports on track recurrence after endoscopic or robotic thyroidectomy up to June 2024. Data included patient demographics, details of the initial surgery and diagnosis, methods and timing of recurrence detection, and management strategies. RESULTS: The search yielded 1578 articles, of which 17 case reports comprising 18 patients were included. The patients (16 females and two males) had a mean age of 34.6 ± 14.9 years. The mean size of initial tumors was 3.9 ± 1.2 cm, with diagnoses of eight cancers and 10 benign lesions. The initial surgeries included 12 endoscopic and six robotic procedures. Track recurrence was most often detected by palpable nodules followed by routine imaging and elevated serum Tg levels. The interval between initial surgery and recurrence ranged from 3 months to 8 years. Management varied from surgical resection and radioactive iodine therapy to close observation. There were no further recurrences in all but one case postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Track recurrence after remote-access thyroidectomy is rare but significant. Proper surgical techniques, careful handling of thyroid tissue, and rigorous postoperative monitoring are essential to minimize this risk. Awareness and prompt management of track recurrence may lead to favorable outcomes.