Risk factors for post-thyroidectomy haemorrhage: a meta-analysis

Delayed infected hematoma in retrosternal area following total thyroidectomy: a case report

Introduction and Importance

Postoperative neck hematoma (PNH), a rare complication following thyroidectomy, occurs in only 1.1-3.15% of cases and can lead to life-threatening outcomes. More rarely, delayed PNHs with atypical clinical manifestations and positions have not yet been reported. Early identification and immediate medical intervention are of utmost importance in such cases.

Case Presentation

The authors represented a patient with thyroid cancer adherent to the trachea, who underwent post-thyroidectomy, experienced delayed PNH in the retrosternal region and was infected by respiratory pathogens. Meanwhile, the patient developed recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis after surgery. PNH was not identified in the clinical manifestations; instead, it was detected only through successive cervical ultrasound examinations.

Clinical Discussion

Although rare, PNH can lead to serious complications, especially delayed complications or those in atypical positions, without neck swelling. When simultaneously with RLN paralysis, the hematoma may be neglected. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be vigilant of atypical PNH because neck swelling may be absent. Cervical ultrasonography is essential for diagnosis and can be performed multiple times. Cervical CT scans should be part of the routine procedure, while contrast-enhanced ultrasound can help detect active bleeding. Early postoperative antibiotics are recommended if the tumor is closely attached to the trachea.

No Change in Complications Following Thyroidectomy Despite Increase in Thyroid Cancer Surgeries: A Meta-Regression Analysis

PURPOSE

The increase in thyroid cancer incidence has inevitably led to an increase in thyroid cancer surgeries. This meta-regression analysis aimed to determine if the rate of post-thyroidectomy complications changes by year.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were used to perform a systematic literature search of studies published from January 1, 2005, using the keywords "thyroidectomy" and "complication." A meta-regression was performed for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and bleeding.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 25 studies involving 927751 individuals. Through the years of publications in this study, there was no significant difference in the proportion of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and bleeding (p=0.9978, 0.6393).

CONCLUSION

Although the number of thyroid surgeries has recently increased, the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and bleeding did not significantly increase.

TSH receptor antibody as a predictor of difficult robotic thyroidectomy in patients with Graves' disease

Thyroidectomy in Graves' disease can be challenging due to greater thyroid size and vascularity. While thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) level is associated with disease severity and thyroid vascularity, its impact on operative outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to compare challenging factors for robotic thyroidectomy (RT) and open thyroidectomy (OT) in Graves' disease patients, including TRAb as a predictive factor for difficult thyroidectomy. This retrospective study included Graves' disease patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between September 2013 and January 2023. The clinical characteristics and operative outcomes were compared between patients who received OT and bilateral axillo-breast approach RT. Factors affecting operation time and estimated blood loss (EBL) were evaluated in both groups using regression analyses. A total of 85 patients received either OT (n = 48) or RT (n = 37). Median thyroid volumes in the OT and RT groups were 72.4 g and 57.6 g, respectively. Operation time was affected by thyroid volume in both groups. Additionally, higher thyroid hormone levels and bilateral central neck node dissection prolonged operation time in the RT group. EBL was marginally associated with thyroid volume in the OT group. However, in the RT group, TRAb level was independently associated with greater EBL (p = 0.04), while no significant association was found with thyroid volume. Predictive factors for difficult thyroidectomy differed by operation approaches. TRAb significantly predicted intraoperative bleeding in RT, while this association was absent in OT. Caution is warranted when performing RT on Graves' disease patients with high TRAb levels.

A diagnostic phase III/IV seamless design to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical effectiveness using the example of HEDOS and HEDOS II

The development process of medical devices can be streamlined by combining different study phases. Here, for a diagnostic medical device, we present the combination of confirmation of diagnostic accuracy (phase III) and evaluation of clinical effectiveness regarding patient-relevant endpoints (phase IV) using a seamless design. This approach is used in the Thyroid HEmorrhage DetectOr Study (HEDOS & HEDOS II) investigating a post-operative hemorrhage detector named ISAR-M THYRO® in patients after thyroid surgery. Data from the phase III trial are reused as external controls in the control group of the phase IV trial. An unblinded interim analysis is planned between the two study stages which includes a recalculation of the sample size for the phase IV part after completion of the first stage of the seamless design. The study concept presented here is the first seamless design proposed in the field of diagnostic studies. Hence, the aim of this work is to emphasize the statistical methodology as well as feasibility of the proposed design in relation to the planning and implementation of the seamless design. Seamless designs can accelerate the overall trial duration and increase its efficiency in terms of sample size and recruitment. However, careful planning addressing numerous methodological and procedural challenges is necessary for successful implementation as well as agreement with regulatory bodies.

Second free jejunum transfer after flap loss does not affect oral intake: A retrospective case-control study

PURPOSE

Free jejunum transfer is one of the standard procedures for restoring oral intake after total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy. Flap loss leading to a second free jejunum transfer rarely occurs. This study investigated the impact of a second free jejunum transfer on post-operative oral intake.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent a first free jejunum transfer between July 1998 and December 2019. A total of 367 patients were included in the study. Among them, 17 patients who underwent a second free jejunum transfer because necrosis constituted the second free jejunum transfer group, whereas 350 patients who did not require a second free jejunum transfer formed the first free jejunum transfer group. The incidence of dysphagia requiring tube feeding and post-operative complications was compared between the two groups. Moreover, risk factors for dysphagia and complications were estimated.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of dysphagia post-operation between the two groups. A second free jejunum transfer was a statistically significant factor for complications at 2- and 6-months post-operation; however, there were no significant differences in complication rates at the 12-month follow-up. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the incidence of severe complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Although a second free jejunum transfer increases early complications, it is not associated with major complications and does not negatively impact oral intake. These findings support the conclusion that free jejunum transfer is safe and helps maintain post-operative quality of life.

Mortality After Total Thyroidectomy for Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis According to Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

OBJECTIVE

To report cardiac outcomes after total thyroidectomy for amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis according to the baseline left ventricular ejection fraction in a tertiary referral center.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, monocentric.

SETTING

The tertiary health care system.

METHODS

Patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis between 2010 and 2020 with age >18 and available preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction were included in this study. Patients were dichotomized into: group 1 with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% (mildly reduced/normal ejection fraction), and group 2 with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (reduced ejection fraction).

RESULTS

There were 34 patients in group 1 and 17 to group 2. The latter were younger (median 58.4 [Q1-Q3 48.0-64.9] vs. 69.8 years in group 1 [59.8-78.3], p = .0035) and they presented more cardiomyopathy (58.8 vs. 26.5%, p = .030). Overall, the median time until surgery referral was 3.1 [1.9-7.1] months and 47.1% underwent surgery after restoration of euthyroidism. Surgical complications accounted for 7.8%. In group 2, the median left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly improved after surgery (22.5 [20.0-25.0] vs. 29.0% [25.3-45.5], p = .0078). Five-year cardiac mortality was significantly higher in group 2 (p < .0001): 47.0% died of cardiac causes versus 2.9% in group 1. A baseline left ventricular ejection fraction <40% and a longer time until surgery referral were significantly associated with cardiac mortality (multivariable Cox regression analysis, p = .015 and .020, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results reinforce the idea that surgery, if chosen, should be performed quickly in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%.

Efficacy of four different hemostatic agents in thyroid surgery in reducing the amount of post-operative fluid collection

PURPOSES

Postoperative bleeding remains a life-threatening complication in thyroid surgery. The aim was to assess the efficacy of four different hemostatic agents, Collagen-Fibrinogen-Thrombin Patch (CFTP) in two sizes (3 × 2.5 cm and 9.5 × 4.8 cm), polysaccharide particles (1 g) and Cellulose Gauze (2.5 × 5 cm) on postoperative drainage volume (DV) compared to a control group.

METHODS

We included from October 2007 until Mai 2011, 150 patients (30 per group) for this monocentric, retrospective case-controlled study. Patients were scheduled for a hemithyroidectomy or thyroidectomy. The primary endpoint was the postoperative DV within the first 24 h, secondary the incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

There were no difference in demographic parameters. The mean DV (± SD) was 51.15 (± 36.86) ml in the control, 50.65 (± 42.79) ml in small (3 × 2.5 cm), 25.38 (± 23.99) ml in large CFTP (9.5 × 4.8 cm), 53.11 (± 39.48) ml in the polysaccharide particles and 48.94 (± 30.59) ml in the cellulose gauze group. DV was significantly reduced with the large CFTP (p < 0.05) compared to all other groups. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

We were able to demonstrate a significant reduction in the DV for the large CFTP group compared to the other collectives. Although this as being associated with not inconsiderable costs and we would only recommend its use for high-risk patients only.

Risk factors for postoperative cervical haematoma in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a retrospective, multicenter, international analysis (REDHOT study)

Background

Postoperative cervical haematoma represents an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication of thyroidectomy. Since this complication is uncommon, the assessment of risk factors associated with its development is challenging. The main aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for its occurrence.

Methods

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in seven high-volume thyroid surgery centers in Europe, between January 2020 and December 2022, were retrospectively analysed. Based on the onset of cervical haematoma, two groups were identified: Cervical Haematoma (CH) Group and No Cervical Haematoma (NoCH) Group. Univariate analysis was performed to compare these two groups. Moreover, employing multivariate analysis, all potential independent risk factors for the development of this complication were assessed.

Results

Eight thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine patients were enrolled: 8,561 were included in NoCH Group and 278 in CH Group. Surgical revision of haemostasis was performed in 70 (25.18%) patients. The overall incidence of postoperative cervical haematoma was 3.15% (0.79% for cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis, and 2.35% for those managed conservatively). The timing of onset of cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis was within six hours after the end of the operation in 52 (74.28%) patients. Readmission was necessary in 3 (1.08%) cases. At multivariate analysis, male sex (P < 0.001), older age (P < 0.001), higher BMI (P = 0.021), unilateral lateral neck dissection (P < 0.001), drain placement (P = 0.007), and shorter operative times (P < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for cervical haematoma.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we believe that patients with the identified risk factors should be closely monitored in the postoperative period, particularly during the first six hours after the operation, and excluded from outpatient surgery.

Predictors and Preventive Strategies of Bleeding After Thyroid Surgery

Postoperative compressive neck hematoma occurs in approximately 0.1% to 1.7% of cases, most occurring within the first six hours after surgery. Thyroid pathology, patient predisposition, and surgical technique are major risk factors for postoperative hematoma. This narrative review describes current perspectives on predicting and preventing bleeding following thyroid surgery. Predictors of bleeding after thyroid surgery include patient-related factors such as male sex and age, surgery-related factors like total thyroidectomy and operations for thyroid malignancy, and surgeon-related factors. Hemostasis is the primary focus after preserving critical structures in thyroid surgery. The clamp-and-tie technique has been the standard method for dividing the thyroid gland's main vascular pedicles for many years. Bipolar electrocautery has been used for vessels of small size. However, advanced bipolar and ultrasound energy and hybrid devices are now available options that may reduce operative time without increasing costs or complications. In cases where small bleeders close to critical structures are present and the clamp-and-tie technique is not feasible, hemostatic agents are commonly used. Drains do not appear to provide any significant benefits in preventing the sequelae of bleeding after thyroid surgery.

The learning curve on robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy performed by a single endocrine surgeon in a third-level institution in Europe: a cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis

Robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy is widely performed in Asian countries, although it is still under discussion in the Western World. However, there have been few studies reporting on the learning curve of robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy. We used the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis to assess the learning curve of gasless robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy at a third-level institution in Europe. We included all consecutive patients operated by a single surgeon without previous experience of robotic surgery from February 2012 to January 2023. The primary endpoint of the study was the learning curve extracted from the median operative time using the CUSUM method for the quantitative assessment. Overall, 583 patients were enrolled. The median operative time for thyroid lobectomy and total thyroidectomy was 70 and 90 min, respectively. The CUSUM analysis showed that the learning curve for thyroid lobectomy and total thyroidectomy is 66 and 56 cases, respectively. Moreover, the presence of thyroiditis resulted associated with shorter operative time for total thyroidectomy (p = 0.044), whereas no factors resulted associated with surgical complications. The learning curve for performing robotic transaxillary thyroid lobectomy for a surgeon without previous robotic experience is 66 cases. After that, 56 cases must be performed to acquire proficiency in robotic transaxillary total thyroidectomy. Training programs may reduce the slope of the learning curve.

Artificial neural network prediction of post-thyroidectomy outcome

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to develop a deep neural network (DNN) for predicting surgical/medical complications and unplanned reoperations following thyroidectomy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The 2005-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried to extract patients who underwent thyroidectomy. A DNN consisting of 10 layers was developed with an 80:20 breakdown for training and testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Three primary outcomes of interest, including occurrence of surgical complications, medical complications, and unplanned reoperation were predicted.

RESULTS

Of the 21 550 patients who underwent thyroidectomy, medical complications, surgical complications and reoperation occurred in 1723 (8.0%), 943 (4.38%) and 2448 (11.36%) patients, respectively. The DNN performed with an area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics of .783 (medical complications), .709 (surgical complications) and .703 (reoperations). Accuracy, specificity and negative predictive values of the model for all outcome variables ranged 78.2%-97.2%, while sensitivity and positive predictive values ranged 11.6%-62.5%. Variables with high permutation importance included sex, inpatient versus outpatient and American Society of Anesthesiologists class.

CONCLUSIONS

We predicted surgical/medical complications and unplanned reoperation following thyroidectomy via development of a well-performing ML algorithm. We have also developed a web-based application available on mobile devices to demonstrate the predictive capacity of our models in real time.

Modern Surgical Techniques of Thyroidectomy and Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Perioperative Complications

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer of the endocrine system, and, in recent years, there has been a phenomenon of overdiagnosis followed by subsequent overtreatment. This results in an increasing number of thyroidectomy complications being faced in clinical practice. In this paper, we present the current state of knowledge and the latest findings in the fields of modern surgical techniques, thermal ablation, the identification and assessment of parathyroid function, recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and treatment and perioperative bleeding. We reviewed 485 papers, from which we selected 125 papers that are the most relevant. The main merit of this article is its comprehensive view of the subject under discussion-both general, concerning the selection of the appropriate method of surgery, and particular, concerning the selection of the appropriate method of prevention or treatment of selected perioperative complications.

Prevention and management of post-thyroidectomy cervical haematoma. Recommendations of the AFCE (Association francophone de chirurgie endocrinienne) with the SFE (Société française d'endocrinologie) and the SFMN (Société française de médecine nucléaire)

Post-thyroidectomy cervical haematoma (PTCH) requiring reoperation occurs in fewer than 5% of patients but can be fatal or leave severe neurological sequelae if compressive. Risk factors besides anticoagulant treatments are discussed. Preoperative prevention complies with the recommendations of the French Society of Anaesthesia and Resuscitation (SFAR) for the management of antiaggregants and anticoagulants before and after the operation. Intraoperative prevention is centred on careful haemostasis, sometimes aided by coagulation tools and haemostatic agents, although there is no firm evidence of their effectiveness against the occurrence of PTCH. Systematic drainage of the thyroid cavity is no longer standard practice for the prevention of PTCH. Postoperatively, maintenance of normal blood pressure is essential to prevent PTCH, together with control of pain, coughing, nausea and vomiting. To reduce the risk of serious complications, medical and paramedical teams must be trained to recognise a haematoma and manage it so that it can be evacuated as a matter of extreme urgency, if necessary bedside, and then treated for its cause in the operating theatre.

Extent of thyroidectomy: When should hemithyroidectomy be performed? Recommendations from the Francophone Association for Endocrine Surgery, the French Society of Endocrinology and the French Society of Nuclear Medicine

These recommendations, drawn from current data in the medical literature, incorporate the risks of hemithyroidectomy (HT) and total thyroidectomy (TT) and clarify the place of these two procedures in clinical settings. Discussions leading to a consensus were then assessed by the Francophone Association for Endocrine Surgery (Association francophone de chirurgie endocrinienne [AFCE]), along with the French Society of Endocrinology (Société française d'endocrinologie [SFE]), and the French Society of Nuclear Medicine (Société française de médecine nucléaire [SFMN]). The complication rate was twice as high after TT compared to HT. Total thyroidectomy requires life-long thyroid hormone supplementation, whereas such supplementation is required in only 30% of patients after HT. When surgery is indicated for Bethesda category II nodules, and in the absence of any indication for surgery on the contralateral lobe, HT is recommended. In patients with thyroid cancer (TC)≤1cm requiring surgical management or TC≤2cm, in the absence of risk factors for TC and in the absence of pre- or intraoperative detection of extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases (cN0) and/or suspected contra-lateral disease, HT is the preferred technique as long as the patient accepts the possibility of TT which might be required when aggressive forms of cancer are detected on definitive cytohistology (extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, high-grade histology). For TC measuring between 2 and 4cm, the debate between HT and TT remains open today, although some surgeons tend to prefer TT. In patients with TC>4cm, macroscopic lymph node involvement (cN1), signs of extrathyroidal extension or predisposing factors for TC, TT is the treatment of choice.

The safety, benefits and future development of overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy

With the development of medical care, the safety of thyroidectomy is improving year by year. Due to economic benefits and other advantages of the overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy, more and more patients and medical institutions have favored overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy, and its proportion in thyroidectomy has increased year by year. However, overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy still faces many challenges and remains to be improved. In this review, we focused on the recent progress and the relevant clinical features of overnight and outpatient thyroidectomy, including its safety, economic benefits, etc., which may bring valuable clues and information for further improvements of patient benefits and promotions of overnight or outpatient thyroidectomy in the future.

Total thyroidectomy is more cost-effective than radioactive iodine as an alternative to antithyroid medication for Graves' disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with Graves' disease treated with radioactive iodine report worse quality of life than those treated by thyroidectomy. However, radioactive iodine is often selected due to lower risk of complications and lower cost. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of radioactive iodine versus total thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves' disease.

METHODS

A Markov decision-analytic model was created to simulate clinical outcomes and costs of medication-refractory Graves' disease treated with radioactive iodine or total thyroidectomy. Complication rates and utilities were derived from published data. Costs were extracted from national Medicare reimbursement rates. We conducted 1-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to identify factors that influence cost-effectiveness and reflect uncertainty in model parameters. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set at $100,000/quality-adjusted life-years.

RESULTS

Total thyroidectomy yielded 23.6 quality-adjusted life-years versus 20.9 quality-adjusted life-years for radioactive iodine. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $2,982 per quality-adjusted life-years, indicating that surgery is highly cost-effective relative to radioactive iodine. Surgery was more cost effective than radioactive iodine in 88.2% of model simulations. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the model outcomes are driven predominantly by posttreatment quality of life, with contributing effects from rates of treatment complications and the impact of these complications on quality of life.

CONCLUSION

For patients with Graves' disease who either cannot tolerate or are refractory to antithyroid drugs, thyroidectomy is more cost-effective than radioactive iodine. Future research should validate reported differences in quality of life between these 2 treatment modalities.

Does the continuation of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy increase the risk of cervical haematoma? A 1-year experience of two Italian centers

Background

A growing number of patients taking antiplatelet drugs, mainly low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (75–150 mg/day), for primary or secondary prevention of thrombotic events, are encountered in every field of surgery. While the bleeding risk due to the continuation of these medications during the perioperative period has been adequately investigated in several surgical specialties, in thyroid surgery it still needs to be clarified. The main aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of cervical haematoma in patients receiving low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, specifically ASA 100 mg/day, during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in two high-volume thyroid surgery centers in Italy, between January 2021 and December 2021, were retrospectively analysed. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: those not taking ASA were included in Group A, while those receiving this drug in Group B. Univariate analysis was performed to compare these two groups. Moreover, multivariate analysis was employed to evaluate the use of low-dose ASA as independent risk factor for cervical haematoma.

Results

A total of 412 patients underwent thyroidectomy during the study period. Among them, 29 (7.04%) were taking ASA. Based on the inclusion criteria, 351 patients were enrolled: 322 were included in Group A and 29 in Group B. In Group A, there were 4 (1.24%) cervical haematomas not requiring surgical revision of haemostasis and 4 (1.24%) cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis. In Group B, there was 1 (3.45%) cervical haematoma requiring surgical revision of haemostasis. At univariate analysis, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of occurrence of cervical haematoma, nor of the other early complications of thyroidectomy. At multivariate analysis, the use of low-dose ASA did not prove to be an independent risk factor for cervical haematoma.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we believe that in patients receiving this drug, either for primary or secondary prevention of thrombotic events, its discontinuation during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy is not necessary.

Perioperative outcomes of thyroid cancer surgery in children and adults: a nationwide inpatient database study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Little is known about perioperative outcomes after pediatric thyroidectomy. This study was performed to compare perioperative outcomes between children and adults undergoing thyroid cancer surgery using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan.

METHODS

Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we identified patients aged 0 to 40 years with thyroid cancer who underwent thyroidectomy from July 2010 to March 2020. To compare the occurrence of in-hospital morbidities including local complications (e.g., recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, postoperative bleeding), duration of anesthesia, postoperative length of stay, and total hospitalization costs between children (0-18 years) and adults (19-40 years), we used multivariable logistic regression analysis for the occurrence of in-hospital morbidities and linear regression for other outcomes.

RESULTS

For 16,016 eligible patients (666 children vs. 15,350 adults), no significant differences between the two groups were found in any in-hospital morbidity (5.4% vs. 5.9%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-1.14; P = 0.23), local complications (5.0% vs. 5.5%; OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.55-1.15; P = 0.22), recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (2.1% vs. 2.4%; OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.45-1.35; P = 0.37), or postoperative bleeding (1.7% vs. 1.4%; OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.53-1.87; P = 0.98). Children showed a longer duration of anesthesia (difference, 20 minutes; 95% CI, 13-27; P < 0.001) and higher total costs (difference, 445 US dollars; 95% CI, 239-651; P < 0.001) than adults.

CONCLUSION

This large nationwide cohort study showed no significant difference in perioperative complications between children and adults undergoing thyroid cancer surgery.

Case Control Study of Risk Factors for Occurrence of Postoperative Hematoma After Thyroid Surgery: Ten Year Analysis of 6938 Operations in a Tertiary Center in Serbia

BACKGROUND

Post-thyroidectomy bleeding is rare, but potentially life-threatening complication. Early recognition with immediate intervention is crucial for the management of this complication. Therefore, it is very important to identify possible risk factors of postoperative hemorrhage as well as timing of postoperative hematoma occurrence.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 6938 patients undergoing thyroidectomy in a tertiary center in a ten year period (2009-2019) revealed 72 patients with postoperative hemorrhage requiring reoperation. Each patient who developed postoperative hematoma was matched with four control patients that did not develop postoperative hematoma after thyroidectomy. The patients and controls were matched by the date of operation and surgeon performing thyroidectomy.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative bleeding was 1.04%. On univariate analysis older age, male sex, higher BMI, higher ASA score, preoperative use of anticoagulant therapy, thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter, larger thyroid specimens, larger dominant nodules, longer operative time, higher postoperative blood pressure and the use of postoperative subcutaneous heparin were identified as risk factors for postoperative bleeding. Sixty-nine patients (95.8%) bled within first 24 h after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The rate of postoperative bleeding in our study is consistent with recent literature. Male sex, the use of preoperative anticoagulant therapy, thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter and the use of postoperative subcutaneous heparin remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). When identified, these risk factors may be an obstacle to the outpatient thyroidectomy in our settings.

Neck Circumference Measurement for Surveillance and Early Detection of Hemorrhage After Thyroidectomy: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Importance

Postthyroidectomy hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening complication with no reliable noninvasive method of early detection.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of neck circumference measurement for early detection of postoperative hemorrhage after thyroidectomy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This diagnostic accuracy study at an academic teaching hospital used a prospective cohort of patients undergoing thyroid surgery from November 1, 2015, to January 31, 2018 (group 1), and a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing the same surgery from January 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021 (group 2). We performed repeated perioperative neck circumference measurements to evaluate the association of increased neck circumference with postthyroidectomy hemorrhage among patients at risk for hemorrhage.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the diagnostic value of neck circumference measurement for detection of postthyroidectomy hemorrhage. Additionally, data on demographic information and risk factors for postthyroidectomy hemorrhage were examined. Data analyses were performed from November 1, 2021, to January 5, 2022.

Results

The prospective cohort (group 1) comprised 60 patients (45 [75%] women) with a mean (SD) age of 52.2 (13.5) years; those who experienced a postthyroidectomy hemorrhage had a mean (SD) age of 57.4 (9.0) years. The retrospective cohort (group 2) comprised 353 patients (258 [73%] women) with a mean (SD) age of 55.3 (14.1) years; patients who experienced a postthyroidectomy hemorrhage had a mean (SD) age of 62.2 (10.0) years. In group 1, postoperative neck circumference increased by a median (range) of 5.0 (4.0 to 7.0) cm in patients with hemorrhage, and only 1.0 (-2.5 to 4.0) cm in patients with no postoperative bleeding (difference in the medians, 4.0 cm [95% CI, 3.0 to 5.5 cm]; effect size, 3.74 [95% CI, 2.6 to 4.9]). Defining a 7% or greater increase in neck circumference as the cutoff value for detecting postthyroidectomy hemorrhage showed a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 1.0 (95% CI, 0.48 to 1.0) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.71 to 0.92), respectively. The retrospective validation also showed a difference in median (range) increase of postoperative neck circumference between patients with hemorrhage and those without-3.0 (0 to 6.0) cm vs 0.0 (-6.0 to 5.0) cm (difference in medians, 3.8 cm [95% CI, 3.0 to 4.9]; effect size, 1.63 [95% CI, 0.96 to 2.3]). Considering 12 false-positive and 332 correct-negative results, the diagnostic tool showed a sensitivity of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.99) and a specificity of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94 to 0.98).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this diagnostic accuracy study suggest that neck circumference measurement is a feasible and easy-to-use diagnostic tool for routine clinical care to detect postthyroidectomy hemorrhage. A 7% or greater increase over the postoperative baseline neck circumference seems to be a reliable threshold for detecting postthyroidectomy hemorrhage. Neck circumference measurement should be used in combination with surveillance of clinical signs and symptoms.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Small Incision Thyroidectomy and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Postoperative Hypocalcemia

Objective

Analyze the clinical effect of modified small incision thyroidectomy and evaluate the influencing factors of hypocalcemia (EH) in patients after operation.

Methods

A total of 220 patients with thyroid cancer in our hospital from October 2019 to October 2021 were selected. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 110 patients in each group. The control group were treated with traditional thyroidectomy, while the observation group were treated with modified small incision surgery. The perioperative indicators of the two groups were compared. The thyroid hormone indexes of the two groups were meansured before operation and 7 days after operation, and the incidence of complications was compared between the two groups. Serum calcium was detected 7 days after operation in both groups. According to the level of blood calcium, patients were divided into EH group and normal group. The data of two groups were compared, and the related factors affecting the occurrence of EH after operation were analyzed.

Results

The operation time, incision length and intraoperative bleeding volume of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those of patients in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in drainage time and postoperative drainage volume between the two groups (p > 0.05). The postoperative PTH level of patients in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in FT3, FT4 and TSH levels (p > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group (11.82%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (34.55%). Logistic regression analysis showed that bilateral lymph node dissection, parathyroidectomy and decreased PTH were the independent risk factors for EH in our patient after operation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The modified small incision operation can effectively reduce the occurrence of surgical trauma and related complications. Bilateral lymph node dissection, parathyroidectomy and PTH decrease are the risk factors for postoperative EH in patients with thyroid cancer. Taking corresponding measures to improve the metabolic function of patients during perioperative period will help to reduce the incidence of postoperative EH in patients with thyroid cancer.

Drainage Tube Placement May Not Be Necessary During Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Bilateral Areola Approach: A Preliminary Report

Background

The endoscopic thyroidectomy bilateral areola approach (ETBAA) improved cosmetic outcomes significantly and is now widely applied. The usage of drainage tubes is controversial in conventional open thyroidectomy (COT), but studies about drainage placement decisions during ETBAA are still limited. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of having no drainage tube applied during ETBAA on patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

The clinical data of patients undergoing ETBAA from July 2018 to May 2021 was retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups based on drain placement: no-drain and drain. The two groups were matched at a ratio of 1:1. Fifty-five patients from each group were finally included. Postoperative complications and follow-up data were compared between the two groups.

Results

No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative complications, including hemorrhage, surgical site infection, and subcutaneous seroma. Compared with the drain group, the operation time of the no-drain group was significantly shorter [(107.75 ± 24.59) min vs. (119.91 ± 34.05) min, P < 0.05]. The total and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the no-drain group [(2.40 ± 0.71) days vs. (4.78 ± 1.33) days, P < 0.001, (2.04 ± 0.19) days vs. (2.15 ± 0.36) days, P < 0.05], and the costs of surgical consumables were also significantly lower [(6,820.83 ± 164.29) CNY vs. (7,494.13 ± 216.7) CNY, P < 0.05]. The postoperative pain score of the no-drain group was significantly lower than the drain group [(1.58 ± 0.63) vs. (1.89 ± 0.76), P < 0.05].

Conclusions

No drainage applied during ETBAA on papillary thyroid carcinoma is safe and feasible. This practice does not increase the risk of postoperative complications, but it does shorten the operation time and hospital stay, as well as reduce medical costs. Furthermore, it alleviates the suffering of patients.

Postsurgical complications after robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy: critical analysis of a large cohort of European patients

In the last decade, robot-assisted trans-axillary thyroidectomy has spread rapidly and has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure. However, several case series have reported new complications that have led to criticism regarding this approach. This study analyzed the incidence of complications in a large cohort of European patients. We enrolled all patients who underwent robot-assisted trans-axillary thyroidectomy from 2012 to 2020 at the University Hospital of Pisa Department of Endocrine Surgery. We analyzed complications and divided them into 2 groups. Group A included conventional complications, such as transient or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, transient or permanent hypocalcemia, hemorrhage, and tracheal injury. Group B included unconventional complications, such as brachial plexus palsy, track seeding, seroma, great vessels injury, and skin flap perforation. There were 31 postsurgical complications (5.7%). Group A included 25 complications (4.6%): transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 7 patients (1.3%) and in 1 (0.2%), respectively; transient and permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 9 patients (1.7%) and in 1 (0.2%), respectively. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 6 patients (1.1%) and tracheal injury in 1 (0.2%). Group B included 6 complications (1.1%): 1 patient with brachial plexus injury (0.2%), 1 with track seeding (0.2%), and 4 with seroma (0.7%). Robotic trans-axillary thyroidectomy is a safe approach with a risk of postoperative complications comparable to the conventional technique. Almost all complications after a novel introduction are anecdotal. With an accurate patient selection, high-volume institutions with experienced surgeons can perform this technique safely.

Radiofrequency ablation for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules in the Netherlands: successful introduction of a minimally-invasive treatment option improving quality of life

PURPOSE

The aim is to report the results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules (SBTN) within our regional Thyroid Network and to evaluate their health-related and thyroid-related quality of life (QoL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligibility criteria for RFA were nodule size between 2.0 cm and 5.0 cm; solid component >20%; benign cytology on two separate cytological assessments and unequivocal symptoms related to mechanical compression. The primary end point of this study was volume reduction at 1 year post ablation. Secondary outcomes were health-related and thyroid related QoL measured by the SF-36 and ThyPRO-39 questionnaire as well as complication rates.

RESULTS

A total of 72 SBTN in 67 patients were included. The median age was 50.0 [IQR: 41.0 - 56.0] years and 91.0% were women. Median volume reduction at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 51.0%, 63.9%, 65.2%, 81.3% and 90.3% respectively. Patients showed significant improvement on the SF-36 physical component scale and the ThyPRO-39 overall QoL-impact scale. An absolute improvement was seen within the ThyPRO-39 goiter and cosmetic complaints. The overall complication rate was 9.0%, of which 4.5% were considered major.

CONCLUSION

RFA is an effective treatment option for SBTN with significant volume reduction and improvement in health-related and thyroid-related QoL.

Sex-Specific Differences in Outcomes Following Thyroidectomy: A Population-Based Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Numbers of thyroidectomies and awareness of postoperative quality measures have both increased. Potential sex-specific variations in clinical outcomes of patients undergoing thyroidectomy are controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate sex-specific differences in outcomes following thyroidectomy.

METHODS

This is a population-based cohort study of all adult patients undergoing either hemi- or total thyroidectomy in Switzerland from 2011 to 2015. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day readmission rate. The main secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, surgical re-intervention, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative calcium disorder, vocal cord paresis, and hematoma.

RESULTS

Of 16,776 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, the majority of patients undergoing thyroidectomy were female (79%), with a median age of 52 (IQR 42-64) years. Within 30 days after the surgery, male patients had significantly higher rates of hospital readmission (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.38; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.11-1.72, p = 0.008) and higher risks for postoperative ICU admission (RR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09-1.44, p = 0.003) than female patients. There were no significant differences among sexes in the LOS, rates of surgical re-interventions, or in-hospital mortality. While postoperative calcium disorders due to hypoparathyroidism were less prevalent among male patients (RR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.54-0.72, p < 0.001), a 2-fold higher incidence rate of postoperative hematoma was observed (RR 1.93, 95% CI, 1.51-2.46, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Male patients undergoing thyroidectomy have higher 30-day hospital readmission and ICU admission rates. Following surgery, male patients revealed higher rates of neck hematoma, while hypocalcemia was more frequent among female patients.

Effectiveness and Safety of Extubation before Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade versus Traditional Technique in Providing Smooth Extubation

Background:

Traditional extubation often leads to bucking, coughing, and undesirable hemodynamic changes. Extubation just before administering reversal could reduce force of coughing, bucking and may provide better extubation conditions.

Aim of Study:

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of bucking with extubation just before administering reversal of neuromuscular blockade compared to traditional technique of awake extubation. Incidence of coughing during extubation, vomiting/regurgitation, aspiration, hemodynamic changes, postoperative bleeding, and extubation conditions were also assessed.

Settings and Design:

This was a prospective randomized study conducted in a tertiary care institute.

Subjects and Methods:

Forty patients were allocated into two equal groups. In Group E, at the end of surgery, extubation was performed and reversal was administered after extubation. In Group L, reversal was given and patients were extubated in the traditional way. Quality of extubation was assessed using extubation quality score.

Statistical Tests Used:

Pearson Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and independent sample t-test.

Results:

Group E showed significantly lower incidence of bucking (15% vs. 65%) and coughing (10% vs. 45%). Incidences of desaturation and regurgitation/aspiration were comparable. In Group E, 85% of patients did not cough during extubation compared to 50% in Group L. Extubation quality was significantly better in Group E. Although extubation time was significantly shorter in Group E, recovery time was comparable in both groups.

Conclusion:

Extubation just before reversal of neuromuscular blockade resulted in lesser incidence of bucking and coughing during extubation with lesser postoperative bleeding compared to traditional technique of awake extubation without added risks of regurgitation, aspiration, or delayed recovery.

Adverse events in thyroid surgery: observational study in three surgical units with high volume/year

Background

Thyroid surgery, performed for benign or malignant pathologies, is one of the most frequently performed procedures and its frequency has even been increasing in recent years. Postoperative bleeding, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, associated to dysphonia, dysphagia, dyspnea, and hypoparathyroidism represent the most fearful and common complications. We conducted a multicenter, observational study of retrospectively collected data in three high-volume referral centers, enrolling all patients undergone to thyroid surgery between January 2016 and December 2017 in Parma University Hospital, Cagliari University Hospital and Ferrara University Hospital.

Materials

Patients were divided into five groups, differentiated thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, non-toxic benign pathology, hyperfunctioning benign pathology and NIFTP (Non-invasive Follicular Thyroid neoplasm with Papillary-like nuclear features). A follow up at 7 and 30 days was executed, evaluating the onset of paresthesia, dysphonia and dysphagia. A 6-month follow-up was conducted in cases of early complications.

Results

Totally, 1252 patients were eligible for the study: 907 female and 345 male, with a female to male ratio of 2.6:1 and an average age of 53.428. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 1022 cases, lobectomy in 230. After 6 months we recorded paresthesia in 0.5%, dysphonia in 1.8% and dysphagia in 0.5%.

Conclusion

Our study confirms once again that a share of morbidity escapes the possibilities of prediction and control by the operator, depending on patient anamnestic, pathological or anatomical factors.

Management of haematoma after thyroid surgery: systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus guidelines from the Difficult Airway Society, the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons and the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

Haematoma after thyroid surgery can lead to airway obstruction and death. We therefore developed guidelines to improve the safety of peri‐operative care of patients undergoing thyroid surgery. We conducted a systematic review to inform recommendations, with expert consensus used in the absence of high‐quality evidence, and a Delphi study was used to ratify recommendations. We highlight the importance of multidisciplinary team management and make recommendations in key areas including: monitoring; recognition; post‐thyroid surgery emergency box; management of suspected haematoma following thyroid surgery; cognitive aids; post‐haematoma evacuation care; day‐case thyroid surgery; training; consent and pre‐operative communication; postoperative communication; and institutional policies. The guidelines support a multidisciplinary approach to the management of suspected haematoma following thyroid surgery through oxygenation and evaluation; haematoma evacuation; and tracheal intubation. They have been produced with materials to support implementation. While these guidelines are specific to thyroid surgery, the principles may apply to other forms of neck surgery. These guidelines and recommendations provided are the first in this area and it is hoped they will support multidisciplinary team working, improving care and outcomes for patients having thyroid surgery.

Congenital hemophilia A diagnosed with postoperative hemorrhage after thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report

Background

Postoperative bleeding in thyroid surgery is a serious complication with fatal outcomes. Risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage have been reported as old age, male sex, Graves' disease, use of anticoagulants, and hematological disorders. Among the hematological diseases, congenital hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by absence or reduced levels of clotting factors VIII or IX. Most patients with hemophilia display bleeding symptoms during infancy or childhood, but diagnosis could be delayed in mild cases. We report a case of congenital hemophilia A that was diagnosed after three episodes of postoperative bleeding after thyroid surgery.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old man developed repeated postoperative hemorrhage after thyroid surgery for thyroid cancer. In this case, several irregularities were seen in the postoperative course, such as a relatively long interval between surgery and bleeding, the lack of an obvious bleeding point, fresh red blood dripping from the drain insertion site on the second postoperative day, and repeated bleeding three times. We therefore considered that the cause of postoperative hemorrhage might be other than the surgical operations. After a thorough examination, hemophilia A was diagnosed.

Conclusions

Hemophilia is a risk factor for postoperative bleeding in thyroid surgery. However, mild hemophilia shows normal prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. We encountered a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma associated with congenital hemophilia A, which was diagnosed after repeated bleeding.

Long-term voice changes after thyroidectomy: Results from a validated survey

BACKGROUND

Long-term dysphonia may persist after thyroid surgery even in the absence of overt nerve injury. Therefore, we evaluated long-term dysphonia after thyroidectomy using a validated survey.

METHODS

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy at a single institution from 1990 to 2018 were surveyed via telephone to complete the Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey. Individuals with documented nerve injury were excluded.

RESULTS

In total, 308 patients completed the survey (mean age 51 ± 14 years, 78% female). Median time since surgery was 10.7 (interquartile range 2.3-17.5) years. The mean Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score was 2.6 ± 5.2. Of the 113 (37%) patients who reported subjective dysphonia, the mean Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score was 7.1 ± 6.5. Twenty-two (7.1%) patients had a Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score above the empiric normative cutoff of 11, with a mean score of 17.6 ± 6.8. The most frequent complaints included "The clarity of my voice is unpredictable" (N = 71, 23%), "People have difficulty understanding me in a noisy room" (N = 70, 23%), and "I feel as though I have to strain to produce voice" (N = 65, 21%).

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up of patients after thyroidectomy suggests that more than 30% without nerve injury report dysphonia. Research to further assess the etiology and impact of these changes on quality of life is needed.

Introducing day case thyroid lobectomy at a tertiary head and neck centre

BACKGROUND

Thyroid lobectomy is considered to be a safe day case procedure by the British Association of Day Surgery. However, currently only 5.5% of thyroid surgeries in the UK are undertaken as day cases. We determine if and how thyroid lobectomy with same-day discharge could safely be introduced in our centre.

METHODS

We analysed all thyroid lobectomy surgeries performed between April 2015 and May 2019. Exclusion criteria included completion surgery, revision surgery, additional procedures and disseminated disease. Outcomes were benchmarked against surgeon-reported complications from the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery's 5^th National Audit. Additionally, we reviewed the number of patients who met day case criteria currently in use at our hospital to determine accessibility to the service.

RESULTS

In total, 259 thyroid lobectomy surgeries were undertaken and of these 173 met the inclusion criteria. There was no mortality, return to theatre for evacuation of postoperative haematoma or readmission. There was one postoperative haematoma which was drained at the bedside. Some 47 of the 173 (27.2%) patients met day case criteria currently in use at our centre.

CONCLUSIONS

Day case surgery provides a cost-effective solution to rising bed pressures and a coherent protocol can optimise patient safety and experience.

Use of Vivostat® Autologous Fibrin Sealant in Thyroid Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage is a rare but potentially life-threatening and unpredictable complication of thyroid surgery. Therefore, intraoperative bleeding control and hemostasis are crucial. However, the most efficient, cost-effective, and standardized way to achieve this is not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of total thyroidectomy (TT) and partial thyroidectomy (PT) performed using the Vivostat® hemostatic system (Vivostat A/S, Lillerød, Denmark).

METHODS

Patients underwent TT and PT for benign and malignant diseases (multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, differentiated thyroid carcinoma). The primary endpoint was 1st-day postoperative drain output and bleeding that required reintervention. Secondary endpoints included surgery duration and postsurgical complications (vocal fold palsy, hypocalcemia, seroma, wound infection).

RESULTS

Between October 2020 and December 2020, 56 patients were enrolled; 69.6% female; mean age 49.5 years. The mean 24-h drain output was 40 ml. No redo surgery was needed. Seroma was present in 5.3% of cases; no permanent vocal palsy or hypocalcemia was observed.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the Vivostat® system is both safe and effective for hemostasis during thyroid surgery.

Can we still consider thyroid hyperfunction a protective condition for the onset of thyroid cancer?

Background

Thyroid cancer is the ninth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, and the most common endocrine carcinoma. It was originally believed to be a rare event in patients with thyroid hyperfunction and it was reported that hyperthyroidism had a protective role against thyroid neoplasms. However, in recent years, several studies have hypothesized that differentiated thyroid carcinomas and hyperthyroidism may coexist. Our study aims therefore to evaluate the incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinomas on definitive histological examination, in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy with coexisting hyperfunctioning thyroid disease, to understand whether hyperthyroidism can be considered a protective condition against the onset of thyroid neoplasms.

Methods

The study involved 1,449 patients underwent to thyroid surgery from 2010 to 2018 at the General Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy, presenting thyroid cancer at postoperative histological exam. Patients were divided in two groups based on the presence (Group A) or absence (Group B) of hyperfunction. All data were collected in a dedicated database and include demographic data, such as age and sex, preoperative cytology, date and type of surgery, postoperative diagnosis, characteristics of aggressiveness of the neoplasm and postoperative complications. For data analysis, a P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The incidence of thyroid carcinomas was lower in patients suffering from hyperfunction compared to the incidence found in non-hyperthyroid patients, both in preoperative cytological examination and in postoperative diagnosis through histological examination. Furthermore, the tumors that have developed in patients with hyperfunction had a comparable degree of aggression and invasiveness in the two groups studied. However, we have found an equal incidence of microcarcinomas and occult carcinomas on postoperative histological examination. Postoperative complications in patients with cancer were similar, regardless of the presence or absence of hyperfunctioning thyroid disease.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that hyperthyroidism is a protective condition against thyroid carcinoma, but the finding of an equivalent incidence of occult carcinomas in the two groups stresses the need to perform a cytological examination in case of a nodular pathology in a hyperthyroid patient before performing a treatment.

Narrative review of management of thyroid surgery complications

Currently, thyroid surgery is the most common and safe operation worldwide. However, thyroidectomy is still not free from the risks of complications and death due to the anatomical structure and physiological function particularity of the thyroid gland. Postoperative complications affect the life quality and life safety of patients after surgery. The common complications include hypoparathyroidism (HP), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN), postoperative bleeding (PB), thoracic duct injury, laryngeal edema, tracheospasm, tracheal injury, and esophageal injury. A severe complication, such as dyspnea, asphyxia, or thyroid crisis, might cause the death of the patient. Therefore, every thyroid surgeon's responsibility is to remain alert and aware of the occurrence of various intraoperative and postoperative complications and exercise effective prevention and treatment. This is closely related to the advancement in thyroid disease research, the increase in local anatomy knowledge, the standardization of surgical approaches, the improvement in operating skills, the application of new technologies, and the emphasis on specialty training. In addition, many complications that effect patients are much better tolerated if the patient has appropriate expectations of what the complications are and how to treat them. Open communication between surgeon and patient optimizes the potential negative effects that complications may have on patients' quality of life. This paper discusses the prevention, recognition and therapy of intraoperative and postoperative complications in thyroid surgery.

Post-thyroidectomy bleeding: analysis of risk factors from a national registry

BACKGROUND

Post-thyroidectomy haemorrhage occurs in 1-2 per cent of patients, one-quarter requiring bedside clot evacuation. Owing to the risk of life-threatening haemorrhage, previous British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS) guidance has been that day-case thyroidectomy could not be endorsed. This study aimed to review the best currently available UK data to evaluate a recent change in this recommendation.

METHODS

The UK Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery was analysed to determine the incidence of and risk factors for post-thyroidectomy haemorrhage from 2004 to 2018.

RESULTS

Reoperation for bleeding occurred in 1.2 per cent (449 of 39 014) of all thyroidectomies. In multivariable analysis male sex, increasing age, redo surgery, retrosternal goitre and total thyroidectomy were significantly correlated with an increased risk of reoperation for bleeding, and surgeon monthly thyroidectomy rate correlated with a decreased risk. Estimation of variation in bleeding risk from these predictors gave low pseudo-R2 values, suggesting that bleeding is unpredictable. Reoperation for bleeding occurred in 0.9 per cent (217 of 24 700) of hemithyroidectomies, with male sex, increasing age, decreasing surgeon volume and redo surgery being risk factors. The mortality rate following thyroidectomy was 0.1 per cent (23 of 38 740). In a multivariable model including reoperation for bleeding node dissection and age were significant risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSION

The highest risk for bleeding occurred following total thyroidectomy in men, but overall bleeding was unpredictable. In hemithyroidectomy increasing surgeon thyroidectomy volume reduces bleeding risk. This analysis supports the revised BAETS recommendation to restrict day-case thyroid surgery to hemithyroidectomy performed by high-volume surgeons, with caution in the elderly, men, patients with retrosternal goitres, and those undergoing redo surgery.

Reoperation for Bleeding After Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Management

INTRODUCTION

Bleeding after thyroid and/or parathyroid surgery is a life-threatening emergency. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of reoperation following bleeding, identify risk factors, assess management strategies and outcomes, and develop protocols to reduce risk and improve management of bleeding.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent thyroid and/or parathyroid surgery over a 7-year period was conducted. A nested case-control design was used to evaluate specific factors and their association with reoperation for bleeding.

RESULTS

Of 1913 patients, 25 (1.3%) underwent reoperation for bleeding. Of the 25 patients who bled, 6 (24%) required reoperation before leaving theatre; 17 (68%) had bleeding within 6 h, 1 (4%) between 6 and 24 h, and 1 (4%) after 24 h. Reoperation for bleeding was not associated with age, gender, or surgeon. Patients who had total thyroidectomy were more likely to have reoperation for bleeding compared to hemithyroidectomy (p = 0.045) or parathyroidectomy (p = 0.001). The following factors were not associated with bleeding: neck dissection, re-do surgery, drain use, blood-thinning medication or clotting disorders, and BMI. Patients who had reoperation for bleeding had longer hospital stay (p = 0.001), but similar rates of RLN palsy, wound infection, and hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSION

A higher risk profile for significant post-operative bleeding cannot be determined in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Based on this experience, we developed protocols to reduce the risk of bleeding (the ITSRED Fred protocol) and for the early detection and management of bleed (the SCOOP protocol) following thyroid and/or parathyroid surgery.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Postoperative Neck Hematomas: An Analysis of 5,900 Thyroidectomies Performed at a Cancer Center

Introduction  Postoperative neck hematoma (PNH) is an uncommon but potentially-lethal complication of thyroid surgery.

Objective  To identify the risk factors for postthyroidectomy hematoma requiring reoperation, the timing, the source of the bleeding, the related respiratory distress requiring tracheotomy, and the late outcomes.

Methods  We retrospectively analyzed the records of 5,900 consecutive patients submitted to surgery for thyroid diseases at a single institution.

Results  In total, PNH occurred in 62 (1.1%) patients. Most cases of bleeding occurred within the first 6 hours after thyroidectomy, but 12.5% of the hematomas were observed after 24 hours. Obvious bleeding points were detected in 58.1% of the patients during the reoperation, with inferior thyroid artery branches and superior thyroid vessels being the most frequent bleeding sources. Only two patients required urgent tracheostomy. There were no hematoma-related deaths. Permanent hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury are more frequent following reoperation for PNH. The factors significantly associated with PNH were: older age, concurrent lymph node dissection, and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Gender, previous neck irradiation, presentation at diagnosis (symptomatic or incidental), substernal goiter, thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, prior thyroid surgery, malignant histology, the extent of the surgery (total versus non-total thyroidectomy), the use of energy-based vessel sealing devices, the use of the hemostatic agent Surgicel, and the placement of a surgical drain were not significantly associated with PNH.

Conclusion  Hematoma after thyroid surgery is an uncommon complication, but it is related to significant postoperative morbidity. A better understanding of the risk factors and of the time until hematoma formation can help target high-risk patients for preventive measures and closer postoperative observation.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy

Purpose: Our goal was to analyze postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and to explore the possible risk factors.

Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were retrospectively enrolled, and the main study outcomes were postoperative bleeding and 30-day mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the independent risk factors for postoperative bleeding.

Results: A total of 31,706 patients were enrolled for analysis during January 2010 and December 2018 from the Affiliated First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Benign and malignant disease was reported in 4,521 and 27,185 patients, respectively. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 48 patients with benign disease and in 263 patients with malignant disease. There was one bleeding site in 243 patients. The branch of the superior thyroid artery was the most common arterial bleeding site, occurring in 124 patients, and the anterior jugular vein was the most common venous bleeding site, occurring in 85 patients. Multivariable analysis confirmed that hypertension, diabetes, BMI, and disease pathology were independent factors affecting postoperative bleeding in patients with benign disease and that hypertension, diabetes, BMI, operation time, tumor stage, and tracheotomy were independent factors affecting postoperative bleeding in patients with malignant disease. In patients with postoperative bleeding, there were 5 deaths; in patients without postoperative bleeding, there were 42 deaths, and the difference was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Compared with malignant disease patients, benign disease patients have a similar postoperative bleeding rate. A previous history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy has no significant effect on postoperative bleeding.

Assessing National Utilization Trends and Outcomes of Robotic and Endoscopic Thyroidectomy in the United States

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate trends and outcomes of surgical approaches to thyroid surgery. We hypothesized that there have been changes over time in the utilization of approaches to thyroidectomy, including endoscopic, robotic, and open approaches, and that patient outcomes may differ between open surgery and endoscopic or robotic approaches.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried between 2010 and 2016.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

National cohort of patients. Descriptive statistics were performed using χ² test, Mann-Whitney U test, t test and analysis of variance. To investigate complication rates, patient matching was performed with subsequent analysis using simple and multivariable logistic regressions.

RESULTS

We identified 217,938 patients within the NCDB. While endoscopic thyroid surgery increased, relatively, in use over time (0.93% to 2.34% of cases in 2010 and 2016, respectively), robotic thyroid surgery started to decline relatively to other approaches from 2013 to 2016 (0.39% to 0.25% of cases, respectively). The endoscopic approach was performed more commonly than the robotic approach within individual facilities that have reported both procedures (P = .025). Robotic thyroid surgery was associated with increased risk of positive margins (P = .046), while endoscopic thyroid surgery was associated with a higher rate of unplanned hospital readmission (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.09-2.22), longer inpatient stays (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19-2.02), and higher 90-day postoperative mortality (OR, 4.45; 95% CI, 1.58-12.6).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic thyroid surgery has increased in utilization since 2004 but may have worse morbidity and mortality outcomes compared to open surgery.

The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective, and appropriate thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of thyroid disease has evolved considerably over several decades leading to variability in rendered care. Over 100,000 thyroid operations are performed annually in the US.

METHODS

The medical literature from 1/1/1985 to 11/9/2018 was reviewed by a panel of 19 experts in thyroid disorders representing multiple disciplines. The authors used the best available evidence to construct surgical management recommendations. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and management recommendations were discussed to consensus. Members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content.

RESULTS

These clinical guidelines analyze the indications for thyroidectomy as well as its definitions, technique, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis, Molecular Testing, Indications, Extent and Outcomes of Surgery, Preoperative Care, Initial Thyroidectomy, Perioperative Tissue Diagnosis, Nodal Dissection, Concurrent Parathyroidectomy, Hyperthyroid Conditions, Goiter, Adjuncts and Approaches to Thyroidectomy, Laryngology, Familial Thyroid Cancer, Postoperative Care and Complications, Cancer Management, and Reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal surgical management of thyroid disease.

Energy vessel sealant devices are associated with decreased risk of neck hematoma after thyroid surgery

Postoperative neck hematomas following thyroidectomy occur in up to 6.5% of cases. It is unclear whether the use of energy vessel sealant devices effects the rate of PNH. We hypothesized use of an EVSD to be associated with decreased risk of PNH in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The 2016-2017 American College of Surgeons Thyroidectomy database was queried for patients undergoing thyroidectomy with and without EVSDs. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate for risk of PNH. From 11,355 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, an EVSD was used for 7460 (65.7%) patients. Age distribution was similar between the two groups (52 vs. 53-years old, p = 0.467). Compared to patients without EVSD used, patients with EVSD used had higher rates of comorbid hypertension (40.6% vs. 34.8%, p < 0.001) and diabetes (14.2% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.001); however, a lower rate of PNH (1.4% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for known risk factors for PNH including age, prior neck surgery, and comorbidities, EVSD use was associated with a decreased risk of PNH (OR 0.453, 95% CI 0.330-0.620, p < 0.001). The strongest associated risk factors for PNH were hypertension (OR 1.823, 95% CI 1.283-2.591, p = 0.001) and toxic goiter (OR 1.837, 95% CI 1.144-2.949, p = 0.012). When compared to standard vessel ligation, EVSD use was associated with a lower risk of PNH in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The strongest associated risk factor for PNH was toxic goiter. Future prospective research is needed to confirm these findings and if corroborated, then increased use of an EVSD should be employed.

U-shaped strap muscle flap for difficult thyroid surgery

Background

Open thyroidectomy via conventional midline approach can be challenging in complex thyroid surgeries. This study proposes a U-shaped strap muscle flap (USMF) technique that provides adequately wide exposure of the surgical field.

Methods

Strap muscles were cut close to the clavicle and along the anterior margin of both sternocleidomastoid muscles followed by total thyroidectomy in 20 patients as USMF group, and surgical outcomes were compared with 40 patients who had received total thyroidectomy via midline approach.

Results

No patient had postoperative hematoma, vocal cord paralysis, permanent hypocalcaemia, wound infection or flap necrosis. At 2 months post-surgery, objective voice analysis and subjective assessment of voice and swallowing showed no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions

USMF provides superb surgical field exposure, and the voice and swallowing functions after USMF are comparable to those obtained by midline approach. The USMF approach is a feasible option for selective difficult thyroid surgery.

Total thyroidectomy: Safe and curative treatment option for hyperthyroidism

BACKGROUND

While use of total thyroidectomy has increased in management of hyperthyroidism, concerns exist about increased surgical complication rates; most notably, hematoma, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and hypocalcemia.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 454 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy between 2003 and 2015. All patients had surgery for hyperthyroidism, benign euthyroid disease, or thyroid malignancy.

RESULTS

Total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism was not associated with an increased risk for any postoperative complication. Transient hypocalcemia, temporary dysphonia, and postoperative hematoma rates were not significantly different for patients with hyperthyroid (n = 91), euthyroid benign (n = 237), and malignant (n = 126) disease. Permanent hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were not noted in any hyperthyroid patients. Complication rates were similar for hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease vs toxic multinodular goiter.

CONCLUSION

This study affirms safety and efficacy of total thyroidectomy as standard treatment for hyperthyroidism.