Central Compartment Lymph Node Dissection

Papillary thyroid cancer metastasises frequently through lymph nodes and the central compartment is considered the first nodal station. Lymph nodes in the central compartment are seldom detected preoperatively on ultrasound imaging. Central compartment lymph node dissection (CCD) carries an increased risk of injury to RLN and parathyroid glands even in trained hands. Prophylactic CCD was recommended for papillary thyroid cancers but the overall impact on the outcome of the procedure is debated. Prophylactic central compartment dissection is not routinely performed for stage 1 and 2 papillary thyroid cancers. CCD is always done therapeutically and also along with MRND for clearance of all nodal stations.