DIAGNOSTIC EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT PROCEDUR ES CARRIED OUT IN SCINTIGRAPHICALLY COLD THYROID-NODULES

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic efficacy of different imaging proce dures carried out in patients with scintigraphically cold thyroid nodu les, Methods: The preoperative imaging procedures carried out in all p atients operated on for cold thyroid lesions at the Department of Surg ery of the University of Cologne were recorded in prospective manner f or 1 year. Special attention was paid to the difference between in-pat ient and out-patient management. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by c omparison with the intraoperative findings and histology. Results: The combination of ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology pr oved effective. Computed tomography should be reserved for the preoper ative assessment of large thyroid tumors. Repeat examinations seldom g ave additional information. Conclusion: Standardized preoperative inve stigations may be performed on an out-patient basis, provided attentio n is paid to quality assurance.