Arch Surg Chicago
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Review Meta Analysis
Elective lymph node dissection in patients with melanoma: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Elective lymph node dissection does not improve survival in patients with melanoma without clinically detectable lymph node metastases. ⋯ This systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing elective lymph node dissection with surgery delayed until the time of clinical recurrence shows no significant overall survival benefit for patients undergoing elective lymph node dissection. Trials included in this review, however, contain significant bias. The question is not answered for all patients, and the results do not exclude the possibility that some subgroups may benefit from elective lymph node dissection. Further research is required.
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An inexpensive and widely applicable technique to monitor recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) function during thyroid surgery can be safely implemented. ⋯ This technique can be applied to thyroid surgery as a safe means of managing the airway. It is associated with an ability to test RLN function at will in more than 95% of cases using readily available equipment.