Chen W, Li J, Peng S, et al. - Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been associated with good prognosis, due to which total thyroidectomy (TT) or thyroid lobectomy (TL) is recommended by guidelines as surgical treatment for DTC with low to intermediate risk of recurrence. In this study, the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with low to intermediate risk of recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer was compared in accordance to the surgery they receive for treatment.

• In this cohort study of 1,060 patients, categorization of patients was done into TL and TT groups according to the surgery they underwent.

• At 1 and 3 months postoperatively, more HRQOL problems were reported by those who underwent total thyroidectomy vs those who underwent thyroid lobectomy.

• At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, there were nearly no differences evident.

• In view of these findings, researchers do not suggest HRQOL as an important consideration in making decisions regarding surgery.