Preoperative Ultrasonography Predicts Level II Lymph Node Metastasis in N1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Implications for Surgical Planning.

Preoperative US features of the index tumor and LN may be helpful in guiding surgery in N1b PTC. These findings could enhance preoperative planning and decision-making, potentially reducing surgical morbidities by identifying those at higher risk of level II LN metastasis and tailoring surgical approaches accordingly.