The extent of lymph node yield in central neck dissection can be affected by preoperative and intraoperative assessment and alter the prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background Lymph node yield (LNY) was implemented in the stratification of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. The effect of LNY may be related to the extent of surgery. This study aims to identify influencing factors for LNY in central compartment neck dissection (CND). Methods Data of 13 712 consecutive PTC patients were analyzed retrospectively. Risk factors for LNY in CND and distribution characteristics of LNY were evaluated. Its relationship with prognosis was studied in another cohort of 136 cases. Results LNY in therapeutic CND was significantly higher than prophylactic CND (Unilateral: 5.55 ± 3.79 vs 3.41 ± 2.77; Bilateral: 8.90 ± 5.10 vs 6.47 ± 4.17, P
Lymph node yield (LNY) in central compartment neck dissection (CND) of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is related to preoperative and intraoperative assessment of the disease. Inadequate LNY may lead to poor prognosis.