Abstract
BackgroundThyroid 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.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess post-thyroidectomy complications and determine the risk factors of such complications.MethodsThis 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionHypocalcemia 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.
Highlights
Thyroid diseases are considered amongst one of the common endocrine gland disorders worldwide
Temporary hypocalcemia was developed in 116 patients (63.7%) while it persisted in three (1.6%)
Multivariate analysis showed that total thyroidectomy was the most significant risk factor for the development of hypocalcemia as compared to other surgical procedures
Summary
Thyroid diseases are considered amongst one of the common endocrine gland disorders worldwide. In the United States alone, an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease [1]. The management of thyroid diseases can include medical and/or surgical treatment. Thyroidectomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world and could be either partial or total [3,4]. With the improvement in diagnostic modalities and surgical procedure safety, thyroidectomy surgery has become more feasible. There are many indications for thyroidectomy, including wandering goiter, compression symptoms, malignancy, or suspected malignancy [3,5]. 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.
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