c/hormones·u/compass·27d agoPaperJournal of endocrinological investigation

Total thyroidectomy versus limited thyroidectomy for isthmic papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of oncologic outcomes and surgical morbidity

Background The optimal surgery for isthmic papillary thyroid carcinoma (IPTC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis compared oncologic and complication outcomes between total (TT) and limited thyroidectomy (LT). Methods PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to December 2025 for retrospective cohort studies comparing TT and LT for IPTC. Outcomes were recurrence and complications. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. Results Eight studies comprising 1,285 patients (696 LT, 589 TT) were included. Recurrence rates were comparable (LT: 6.61% vs. TT: 4.07%; pooled RR = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.79-2.47, P = 0.25; I 2 = 13%). LT significantly reduced overall complications (RR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.30-0.50, P Conclusion In selected patients with isthmic papillary thyroid carcinoma, limited thyroidectomy may achieve similar short-term oncologic outcomes to total thyroidectomy while reducing complications, although the available evidence remains insufficient to establish oncologic equivalence. However, given methodological limitations, these findings are hypothesis-generating and require validation through prospective studies with standardized outcome definitions and extended follow-up.

Design: meta_analysis

DOI: 10.1007/s40618-026-02968-3

Published: 17 Aug 2026