Correct understanding and intervention of postoperative nausea and vomiting can provide reference for clinical practice

In this editorial,we reviewed the article by Li et al.We aimed to explore various perspectives to further mitigate the risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV),which could significantly reduce its incidence and related post-operative complications.PONV is highly prevalent among patients undergoing bariatric surgery,yet there are relatively few related studies.Currently,the main-stream bariatric surgery methods include laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.Despite the effectiveness of surgery in helping patients lose weight,postoperative PONV may occur,potentially leading to various complications(such as aspiration and wound dehiscence).A retro-spective study by Li et al has compared the impact of different operative positions during laparoscopic sleeve gastroplasty on the incidence of PONV,providing new insights into the clinical practice aimed at reducing PONV incidence and thereby improving patient’s postoperative experience.

Association between operative position and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat morbid obesity,and postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)is one of the common complications after bariatric surgery.At present,the mechanism of the high incidence of PONV after weight-loss surgery has not been clearly explained,and this study aims to investigate the effect of surgical position on PONV in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.AIM To explore the effect of the operative position during bariatric surgery on PONV.METHODS Data from obese patients,who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)in the authors’hospital between June 2020 and February 2022 were divided into 2 groups and retrospectively analyzed.Multivariable logistic regression analysis and the t-test were used to study the influence of operative position on PONV.RESULTS There were 15 cases of PONV in the supine split-leg group(incidence rate,50%)and 11 in the supine group(incidence rate,36.7%)(P=0.297).The mean operative duration in the supine split-leg group was 168.23±46.24 minutes and 140.60±32.256 minutes in the supine group(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that operative position was not an independent risk factor for PONV(odds ratio=1.192,95%confidence interval:0.376-3.778,P=0.766).CONCLUSION Operative position during LSG may affect PONV;however,the difference in the incidence of PONV was not statistically significant.Operative position should be carefully considered for obese patients before surgery.

Defining the association between the prolonged operative time and 90-day complications in patients undergoing radical cystectomy

Objective:Radical cystectomy is a complex lengthy procedure associated with postoperative morbidity.We aimed to assess the operative time(OT)in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and its impact on 90-day postoperative complications and readmission rates.Methods:The retrospective cohort study included 296 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion from May 2010 to December 2018 in our institution.The OT of 369 min was set as a cutoff value between short and long OT groups.The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative complication rates.Secondary outcomes were gastrointestinal recovery time,length of hospital stay,and 90-day readmission rates.Results:The overall incidence of 90-day postoperative complications was 79.7%where 43.2%representing low-grade complications according to the ClavieneDindo classification(Grade 1 and Grade 2),and 36.5%representing high-grade complications(Grade3).Gastrointestinal tract and infectious complications are the most common complications in our data set(45.9%and 45.6%,respectively).On multivariable analysis,prolonged OT was significantly associated with odds of high-grade complications(odds ratio 2.340,95%confidence interval 1.288e4.250,p=0.005).After propensity score-matched analysis,a higher incidence of major complications was identified in the long OT group 55(51.4%)compared to 35(32.7%)in the short OT group(p=0.006).A shorter gastrointestinal tract recovery time was noticed in the short OT group(p=0.009).Prolonged OT was associated with a higher 90-day readmission rate on univariate and multivariate analyses(p<0.001,p=0.001,respectively).

Preoperative gastric retention in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography patients:Assessing risks and optimizing outcomes

This article is a comment on the article by Jia et al,aiming at establishing a predictive model to predict the occurrence of preoperative gastric retention in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography preparation.We share our perspectives on this predictive model.First,further differentiation in predicting the severity of gastric retention could enhance clinical outcomes.Second,we ponder whether this predictive model can be generalized to predictions of gastric retention before various endoscopic procedures.Third,large datasets and pro-spective clinical validation are needed to improve the prediction model.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in postoperative hand fracture management:Do they positively or negatively impact recovery?

This editorial explores the impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)on postoperative recovery in hand fracture patients,amidst shifting pain management strategies away from opioids due to their adverse effects.With hand fractures being significantly common and postoperative pain management crucial for recovery,the potential of NSAIDs offers a non-addictive pain control alternative.However,the controversy over NSAIDs'effects on bone healing—stemming from their Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and associated risks of fracture non-union or delayed union—necessitates further investigation.Despite a comprehensive literature search,the study finds a lack of specific research on NSAIDs in postoperative hand fracture management,highlighting an urgent need for future studies to balance their benefits against possible risks.

Advances in nonpharmacologic interventions for operative puncture pain in children

Venipuncture is an indispensable nursing procedure for intravenous infusion,but it is also an invasive procedure that is highly resisted by hospitalised children due to pain or fear.Non-pharmacological interventions are widely used in clinical practice due to their low cost,low risk and simplicity.This article provides a review with the aim of providing a reference for the selection of optimal analgesic interventions in the future.

Driving pressure:A useful tool for reducing postoperative pulmonary complications

The operating room is a unique environment where surgery exposes patients to non-physiological changes that can compromise lung mechanics.Therefore,raising clinicians’awareness of the potential risk of ventilator-induced lung injury(VILI)is mandatory.Driving pressure is a useful tool for reducing lung complications in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and those undergoing elective surgery.Driving pressure has been most extensively studied in the context of single-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery.However,the awareness of association of VILI risk and patient positioning(prone,beach-chair,parkbench)and type of surgery must be raised.

Modified physiological and operative score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity risk assessment model in general surgery

AIM: To establish a scoring system for predicting the incidence of postoperative complications and mortality in general surgery based on the physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM), and to evaluate its efficacy. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with postoperative complications or death and 172 patients without postoperative complications, who underwent surgery in our department during the previous 2 years, were retrospectively analyzed by logistic regression. Fifteen indexes were investigated including age, cardiovascular function, respiratory function, blood test results, endocrine function, central nervous system function, hepatic function, renal function, nutritional status, extent of operative trauma, and course of anesthesia. Modified POSSUM (M-POSSUM) was developed using significant risk factors with its efficacy evaluated. RESULTS: The significant risk factors were found to be age, cardiovascular function, respiratory function, hepatic function, renal function, blood test results, endocrine function, nutritional status, duration of operation, intraoperative blood loss, and course of anesthesia. These factors were all included in the scoring system. There were significant differences in the scores between the patients with and without postoperative complications, between the patients died and survived with complications, and between the patients died and survived without complications. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the M-POSSUM could accurately predict postoperative complications and mortality.CONCLUSION: M-POSSUM correlates well with postoperative complications and mortality, and is more accurate than POSSUM.

Correlation of Hamstring Tendon Size in Pre-Operative MRI Measurement with Intra-Operative Graft Size in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Background: The size of Hamstring autograft of less than 8.0 mm in ACL re-construction is one of the key factors that may contribute to the failure of the graft. In this study, we are going to assess the correlation of pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring tendons with the intra-operative ACL graft. Thus, it may help surgeons to anticipate the needs for graft augmentation should the final graft size be smaller than expected. Methods: We retrospectively re-viewed 41 cases of ACL reconstructions in which MRI were done pre-operatively, in Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF), Muar between January 2019 until December 2022. MRI measurements of Hamstring tendon (semitendinosus: ST, and gracilis) were done by a radiologist, and the in-tra-operative notes were reviewed for the final graft size. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between graft size and tendon cross-sectional area. The intraclass correlation (ICC) by using two-way mixed model with type consistency, the reliability based on average measure was 0.41 (95% CI: ?0.10, 0.69). A p-value < 0.05 was considered sig-nificant. Results: Of 105 patients with primary ACL reconstruction done be-tween January 2019 to December 2022, only 41 patients were included in this study. There was fair correlation (p = 0.048) between pre-operative MRI measurement and the graft diameter intra-operatively. The mean of 17.0 mm of combined diameter of ST and gracilis tendon in MRI may results in graft diameter of 8.3 mm. There was also positive correlation between patients’ height and the intra-operative graft size. Conclusion: These results showed good correlation between pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring ten-don size with the intra-operative graft size, hence it is a reliable tool to predict the Hamstring autograft size in ACL reconstruction.

Operative timing and indications for patients with severe acute pancreatitis: report of 172 cases

Objective: To investigate the operative timing and indi-cations for severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).Methods: Data collected from 172 patients with SAPtreated in our hospital since 1980 were analyzed retro-spectively.Results: In the 94 patients who had undergone early op-eration before June 1992, 57 (62.8%) healed, 35 (37.2%)died, and 16 (17.0%) had no postoperative compli-cations. In the 78 patients who had been treated after July1992 according to the principle of individualization, 66(84.6%) healed, 12 (15.4%) died, and 37 (47.4%)had no postoperative complications. In the 78 patients32 received non-operative treatment but 30 (93.8%)cured, 12 early operation but 7(58.3%)cured, 18 lateoperation but 13 (72.2%) cured, and 16 selected timeoperation but all cured.Conclusions: It is concluded that individualized thera-py is effective and reasonable for treating SAP. Theindications for early, late and selected time operationshould be emphasized.

Application of Specialized Group Management in the Quality Control of Perioperative Nursing

Objective:To explore the role of specialized group management in the quality control of perioperative nursing.Methods:45 surgical nurses from our hospital were selected as the research subjects.Traditional operating room management was adopted from July 2019 to June 2020,and specialized group management was adopted from July 2020 to June 2021.The surgeon’s satisfaction,surgical nurses’core professional competence,and surgical patients’satisfaction were obtained through surveys and the results were analyzed.Results:Surgeon satisfaction before the implementation of specialized group management was significantly lower than after its implementation(P<0.05).Besides,surgical nurses’core professional competency scores before the implementation of specialized group management were significantly lower than after its implementation(P<0.05).Lastly,surgical patients’satisfaction before the implementation of specialized group management was significantly lower than after its implementation(P<0.05).Conclusion:Specialized group management helps to improve the quality of perioperative care and should be applied in clinical practice.

Clinical effect of operative vs nonoperative treatment on humeral shaft fractures:Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND Whether operation is superior to non-operation for humeral shaft fracture remains debatable.We hypothesized that operation could decrease the nonunion and reintervention rates and increase the functional outcomes.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy between operative and nonoperative approaches for humeral shaft fractures.METHODS We searched the PubMed,Web of Science,ScienceDirect,and Cochrane databases from 1990 to December 2023 for clinical trials and cohort studies comparing the effects of operative and conservative methods on humeral shaft fractures.Two investigators independently extracted data from the eligible studies,and the other two assessed the methodological quality of each study.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk bias or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.The nonunion,reintervention and the overall complications and functional scores were pooled and analyzed using Review Manager software(version 5.3).RESULTS A total of four randomized control trials and 13 cohort studies were included,with 1285 and 1346 patients in the operative and nonoperative groups,respectively.Patients in the operative group were treated with a plate or nail,whereas those in the conservative group were managed with splint or functional bracing.Four studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias,and the other 13 were of a low risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane risk bias tool.The operative group had a significantly decreased rate of nonunion[odds ratio(OR)0.30;95%CI:0.23 to 0.40,reintervention(OR:0.33;95%CI:0.24 to 0.47),and overall complications(OR:0.62;95%CI:0.49 to 0.78)].The pooled effect of the Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder,and Hand score showed a significant difference at 3[mean difference(MD)-8.26;95%CI:-13.60 to-2.92],6(MD:-6.72;95%CI:-11.34 to-2.10),and 12 months(MD:-2.55;95%CI:-4.36 to-0.74).The pooled effect of Visual Analog Scale scores and the Constant-Murley score did not significantly differ between the two groups.CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a trend of rapid functional recovery and decreased rates of nonunion and reintervention after operation for humeral shaft fracture compared to conservative treatment.

Intraoperative thermostatic nursing and failure mode and effects analysis enhance gastrectomies’ care quality

BACKGROUND Utilizing failure mode and effects analysis(FMEA)in operating room nursing provides valuable insights for the care of patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery.AIM To evaluate the impact of FMEA on the risk of adverse events and nursing-care quality in patients undergoing radical surgery.METHODS Among 230 patients receiving radical cancer surgery between May 2019 and May 2024,115 were assigned to a control group that received standard intraoperative thermoregulation,while the observation group benefited from FMEA-modeled operating room care.Clinical indicators,stress responses,postoperative gastroin-testinal function recovery,nursing quality,and the incidence of adverse events were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Significant differences were observed in bed and hospital stay durations between the groups(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss or postoperative body temperature(P>0.05).Stress scores improved in both groups post-nursing(P<0.05),with the observation group showing lower stress scores than the control group(P<0.05).Gastrointestinal function recovery and nursing quality scores also differed significantly(P<0.05).Additionally,the incidence of adverse events such as stress injuries and surgical infections varied notably between the groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Incorporating FMEA into operating room nursing significantly enhances patient care by improving safety,expediting recovery,and reducing healthcare-associated risks.

Operative vs non-operative management of displaced proximal humeral fractures in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing operative vs non-operative treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using EMBASE and MEDLINE through the OVID interface,CINAHL,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL),Proquest,Web of Science,SAE digital library,and Transportation Research Board's TRID database.Searches of conference proceedings were also conducted.All available randomized controlled trials comparing operative vs non-operative management of displaced three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients were included.The primary outcomes measures included physical function,pain,health related quality of life,mortality,and the re-operation rate.RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials(n = 287) were included.There was no statistically significant difference in function(MD = 1.72,95%CI:-2.90-6.34,P = 0.47),as measured by the Constant score,between the operative and the non-operative treatment groups.There was no statistically significance difference insecondary outcomes of health related quality of life(standardized MD = 0.27,95%CI:-0.05-0.59,P = 0.09),and mortality(relative risk 1.29,95%CI: 0.50-3.35,P = 0.60).Operative treatment had a statistically significant higher re-operation rate(relative risk 4.09,95%CI: 1.50-11.15,P = 0.006),and statistically significant decreased pain(MD = 1.26,95%CI: 0.02-2.49,P = 0.05).CONCLUSION: There is moderate quality evidence to suggest that there is no difference in functional outcomes between the two treatments.Further high quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine if certain subgroup populations benefit from surgical management.

Operative link for gastritis assessment vs operative link on intestinal metaplasia assessment

AIM:To compare the reliability of gastritis staging sys-tems in ranking gastritis-associated cancer risk in a large series of consecutive patients.METHODS:Gastric mucosal atrophy is the precancer-ous condition in which intestinal-type gastric cancer(GC)most frequently develops.The operative link for gas-tritis assessment(OLGA)staging system ranks the GC risk according to both the topography and the severity of gastric atrophy(as assessed histologically on the ba-sis of the Sydney protocol for gastric mucosal biopsy).Both cross-sectional and long-term follow-up trials have consistently associated OLGA stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ with a higher risk of GC.A recently-proposed modification of the OLGA staging system(OLGIM)basically incorporates the OLGA frame,but replaces the atrophy score with an assessment of intestinal metaplasia(IM)alone.A series of 4552 consecutive biopsy sets(2007-2009)was re-trieved and reassessed according to both the OLGA and the OLGIM staging systems.A set of at least 5 biopsy samples was available for all the cases considered.RESULTS:In 4460 of 4552 cases(98.0%),both the high-risk stages(Ⅲ + Ⅳ)and the low-risk stages(0 +Ⅰ + Ⅱ)were assessed applying the OLGA and OL-GIM criteria.Among the 243 OLGA high-risk stages,14(5.8%)were down-staged to a low risk using OLGIM.The 67(1.5%)incidentally-found neoplastic lesions(intraepithelial or invasive)were consistently associated with high-risk stages,as assessed by both OLGA and OLGIM(P < 0.001 for both).Two of 34 intestinal-type GCs coexisting with a high-risk OLGA stage(stage Ⅲ)were associated with a low-risk OLGIM stage(stage Ⅱ).CONCLUSION:Gastritis staging systems(both OLGA and OLGIM)convey prognostically important informa-tion on the gastritis-associated cancer risk.Because of its clinical impact,the stage of gastritis should be included as a conclusive message in the gastritis histol-ogy report.Since it focuses on IM alone,OLGIM staging is less sensitive than OLGA staging in the identif ication of patients at high risk of gastric cancer.

Comparison of operative link for gastritis assessment, operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment, and TAIM stagings among men with atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the world’s third most lethal malignancy. Most gastric cancers develop through precancerous states of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Two staging systems, operative link for gastritis assessment(OLGA)and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment(OLGIM), have been developed to detect high gastric cancer risk. European guidelines recommend surveillance for high-risk OLGA/OLGIM patients(stages Ⅲ–Ⅳ),and for those with advanced stage of atrophic gastritis in the whole stomach mucosa. We hypothesize, that by combining atrophy and intestinal metaplasia into one staging named TAIM, more patients with increased gastric cancer risk could be detected.AIM To evaluate the clinical value of the OLGA, OLGIM, and novel TAIM stagings as prognostic indicators for gastric cancer.METHODS In the Helsinki Gastritis Study, 22346 elderly male smokers from southwestern Finland were screened for serum pepsinogen I(PGI). Between the years 1989 and1993, men with low PGI values(PGI < 25 μg/L), were invited to undergo an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. In this retrospective cohort study, 1147 men that underwent gastroscopy were followed for gastric cancer for a median of 13.7 years, and a maximum of 27.3 years. We developed a new staging system, TAIM,by combining the topography with the severity of atrophy or intestinal metaplasia in gastric biopsies. In TAIM staging, the gastric cancer risk is classified as low or high.RESULTS Twenty-eight gastric cancers were diagnosed during the follow-up, and the incidence rate was 1.72 per 1000 patient-years. The cancer risk associated positively with TAIM [Hazard ratio(HR) 2.70, 95%CI: 1.09–6.69, P = 0.03]. The risk increased through OLGIM stages 0-Ⅳ(0 vs Ⅳ: HR 5.72, 95%CI: 1.03–31.77, P for trend = 0.004), but not through OLGA stages 0–Ⅳ(0 vs Ⅳ: HR 5.77, 95%CI:0.67–49.77, P for trend = 0.10). The sensitivities of OLGA and OLGIM stages Ⅲ–Ⅳ were low, 21% and 32%, respectively, whereas that of TAIM high-risk was good, 79%. On the contrary, OLGA and OLGIM had high specificity, 85% and81%, respectively, but TAIM showed low specificity, 42%. In all three staging systems, the high-risk men had three-to four-times higher gastric cancer risk compared to the general male population of the same age.CONCLUSION OLGIM and TAIM stagings show prognostic value in assessing gastric cancer risk in elderly male smokers with atrophic gastritis.

Effect of preoperative biliary drainage on outcome of classical pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM: To investigate the role of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) in the outcome of classical pancreaticodu odenectomy. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective data analysis was performed on patients (n = 48) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from March 1994 to March 2004 in department of surgery at SMS medical college, Jaipur, India. Demographic variables, details of preoperative stenting, operative procedure and post operative complications were noted. RESULTS: Preoperative biliary drainage was performed in 21 patients (43.5%). The incidence of septic complications was significantly higher in patients with biliary stent placement (P < 0.05, 0 vs 4). This group of patients also had a significantly higher minor biliary leak rate. Mortality and hospital stay in each group was comparable. CONCLUSION: Within this study population the use of PBD by endoscopic stenting was associated with a high incidence of infective complications. These findings do not support the routine use of biliary stenting in patients prior to pancreatico-duodenectomy.

Cooperative Communication with Asymmetric Channel State Information: A Contract Theoretic Modeling Approach

In relay-assisted cooperative communication,relay nodes help forwarding the information of a source node in case of link failure between the source and a destination.Although user cooperation improves the overall efficiency of the network,it requires incentive to stimulate potential relay nodes to assist the source by forwarding its data to the destination.Moreover,the potential relays are better informed than the source about their channel conditions to destination,which results in asymmetric information between the source and the relays.In this paper,we study the problem of lack of forwarding incentive in cooperative communication when channel state information of relays is private information and not known by the source.To tackle this problem,we apply the principle of contract theory to a cooperative wireless system.Source first designs incentive compatible and individually rational contract,consisting of a set of power-credit pairs.Then it broadcasts contract items to nearby nodes.Once the source node receives reply messages from the volunteer relays,it chooses one or more relays based on its requirements and communication starts.Simulation results show how credit assignment works in order to stimulate relays to cooperate and prevents relays from cheating behavior.

Cooperative algorithm for improving network connectivity in clustered wireless sensor networks

In order to improve network connectivity in clustered wireless sensor networks,a node cooperative algorithm based on virtual antenna arrays is proposed.All the nodes in the network are assumed to be clustered via Poisson Voronoi tessellation（PVT）.The activation of the node cooperative algorithm is determined by the cluster heads（CHs） according to communication links.When the cooperative algorithm is activated,the CH selects cooperative nodes（CNs） from its members to form a virtual antenna array.With the cooperation,nodes can extend the inter-cluster communication range to directly contact with further nodes after a coverage hole is detected,or compensate for channel gains while inter-cluster transmission fails due to deep channel fading.Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves better network connectivity and energy efficiency.It can reduce outage probability,sustain network connectivity and maintain operations as long as possible,which prolongs network operation time.

Operative indications of follicular type tumors,based on Japanese clinical guidelines

AIM: To investigate the accuracy of preoperative examinations in follicular type tumors, we re-evaluate results of our operative cases.METHODS: Cases are follicular neoplasms in 36 patients, which are more than 30 mm in diameter and underwent surgery in our hospital in 2005-2006. These cases had been suspected of malignancy on one or more of the preoperative examinations, including ultrasound(US), thallium-technecium(Tl-Tc) scinitigram,computed tomography(CT), or fine needle aspiration biopsy(FNA) examinations. Concern about operative procedure, lobectomy plus sentinel lymph node biopsy(SNB) was performed in all 36 follicular tumors at the first surgery. Because we can diagnose a suspected follicular tumor as carcinoma and can change the operative procedure intra-operatively, when the metastasis of lymph nodes, outside of the thyroid, is found. The operative procedure was changed from lobectomy to total thyroidectomy plus lymph nodes dissection(centralcomponent), when the SNB has metastasis. All thirty six cases were obtained to track the prognosis until 2012, for 6-7 years follow up periods.RESULTS: The final pathological results are 3 cases of follicular carcinoma, 6 cases of papillary carcinoma, 1 case of papillary carcinoma follicular type, 1 case of malignant lymphoma, 16 cases of follicular adenoma, and 9 cases of adenomatous goiter. The malignant tumor were observed in 11/36(30.6%) cases. All six papillary carcinomas were less than 20 mm, and present with follicular adenoma and adenomatous goiter, which have more than 40 mm diameter. In physical examination, tumor size of 36 cases of follicular neoplasm is more than 30 mm all at the time of surgery. The tumors were palpable somewhat stiff, such as no cystic component in 34 cases. Occasional dyspnea, dysphagia, and cough was accompanied in all 36 cases. The true ratio of correct diagnosis of preoperative US, Tl-Tc scinitigram, CT, and FNA were 17/36(47.2%), 16/36(44.4%), 24/36(66.7%), 21/36(58.3%), respectively. In 11 malignant cases, there was one SNB positive case(one lymph node metastasis in 3 SNB: 1/3). This case was changed the operative procedure from lobectomy to total thyroidectomy plus lymph node dissection(central component). There is other lymph nodes metastasis in dissected lymph nodes(4/15). For the remaining malignant 10 cases, the observations were selected without additional resection, because surgical margins and SN were negative in postoperative pathology results at the first operation. No recurrence and metastasis are allowed in 11 malignant cases, up to 7 years after post-operation. Over all, the more than 30 mm in diameter follicular neoplasms, which were suspected the malignancy in the one and more preoperative examinations, are present the malignancy by pathological diagnosis in 11/36(30.6%) cases after surgery. The non SNB metastasis cases had no symptoms of lymph nodes metastasis up to 7 years after post-operation.CONCLUSION: We think that more than 30 mm in diameter follicular neoplasms are considered as candidates of surgery from our results.