A complication of thyroidectomy: Do not forget suture reaction

Assessment of Post-operative Complications in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Background Thyroid surgeries, among the most common surgical procedures globally, present with varied complications. This study is aimed at identifying the complications and selected variables associated with thyroid surgery. Methods In this cross-sectional, retrospective, record-based study, a total of 107 patients who underwent thyroidectomies and satisfied the inclusion criteria, were recruited using convenience sampling technique. This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from January 2021 to December 2021. Data were collected from medical records using a researcher-created data extraction form after ethical approval from the institutional ethics committee. The data were analyzed using Epi Info software (Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), with a p-value of <0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results Of the 107 patients who underwent thyroidectomies, 92 (85.9%) reported one or more complications. Complications were most common (90.2% of patients) in the 25-34 years age group and among females (83.3%). The most common complications were dysphagia (30.84% of patients), voice change (21.50%), and respiratory obstruction (8.41%). Temporary hypocalcemia developed in 3.74% of these patients, while tracheal injury and hematoma were documented in 3.74% and 1.87%, respectively. Tobacco users (14.9%), alcohol users (16.8%), those eating a non-vegetarian diet (61.9%), and those eating saturated fats (13.0%) suffered more complications. Family history (p=0.03) was found to be significantly associated with complications. Conclusion The most common post-thyroidectomy complications in this group of patients were dysphagia and voice change, while hypocalcemia, tracheal injury, and hematoma were rare complications. Tobacco users and alcohol users reported more complications. Complications were more common in those with a family history of thyroid disease and those who were underweight.

Post-Thyroidectomy Complications and Risk Factors in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Thyroid surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures internationally. There were no studies conducted in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on post-thyroidectomy complications and their risk factors. Objective The aim of this study was to assess post-thyroidectomy complications and determine the risk factors of such complications. Methods This retrospective study included all cases that underwent thyroidectomy at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, from January 2012 to December 2017. Patients with preoperative hypoparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or history of dysphonia were excluded. Data were collected from medical records. Results The study showed 182 patients who underwent thyroidectomy operation between January 2012 and December 2017. Temporary hypocalcemia was developed in 116 patients (63.7%) while it persisted in three (1.6%). Change of voice was reported in five patients (2.7%) while two (1.1%) lost a high-pitched voice. Seroma, hematoma, and tracheal injury were documented in 1.6%, 1.1%, and 0.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that total thyroidectomy was the most significant (four times) risk factor for the development of hypocalcemia as compared to other surgical procedures. Conclusion Hypocalcemia was the most frequent post-thyroidectomy complication, whereas voice changes, seroma, hematoma, and tracheal injury are rare complications. Additionally, total thyroidectomy has the highest risk of postoperative hypocalcemia.

Post-thyroidectomy suture granuloma: A diagnosis on fine needle aspiration cytology

Suture granulomas result from the use of nonabsorbable suture and is an infrequent complication following thyroidectomy. When they occur, suture granulomas may mimic both benign and malignant diagnoses, posing a potential diagnostic challenge. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology is an accurate diagnostic modality for the workup of nodules within the thyroidectomy bed. We herein present 2 cases of post-thyroidectomy suture granulomas, presenting as a painless, palpable mass in the surgical bed and occurring as a late complication of thyroidectomy that were diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology.