Lobectomy Versus Total Thyroidectomy Across 2015 ATA Low-to-Intermediate-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

COMMENT: This systematic review and meta-analysis show that, for patients with low to intermediate risk papillary thyroid carcinoma, lobectomy provides recurrence-free and disease-specific survival outcomes comparable to total thyroidectomy. By demonstrating no survival advantage to more extensive surgery, the article supports guideline-aligned, risk-stratified decision-making that favors lobectomy when appropriate. These findings help clinicians counsel patients on the safety and efficacy of less aggressive surgery while reducing morbidity associated with total thyroidectomy.—Sarah Rapoport, MD