Lobectomy is the preferred surgical choice for intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer

Lobectomy is superior to total thyroidectomy in reducing complications, including transient parathyroid dysfunction, for intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma patients. Both lobectomy and total thyroidectomy show similar effects on survival outcomes and recurrence rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest considering lobectomy as the optimal surgical approach for intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer, as total thyroidectomy does not provide improved outcomes and is associated with an increased incidence of temporary complications.