Thyroid Surgery in Clinical Practice Guidelines, Consensus Statements, and Position Papers: Content, Interpretation, and Limitations

Abstract

Program Description: Key aspects of thyroid surgery have been addressed by published clinical practice guidelines, consensus statements, and position papers from the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HSNF), the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS), and the American Thyroid Association (ATA). This miniseminar efficiently presents these society publications, focusing on their content, interpretation, and limitations. Specific topics include surgery for invasive carcinoma, imaging selection, improving postoperative voice outcomes, nerve monitoring, outpatient surgery, and goiter management. These documents will also be used to highlight the important overall differences between practice guidelines, consensus statements, and position papers and their respective influence on clinical decisions. Educational Objectives: (1) Differentiate between a clinical practice guideline, clinical consensus statement, and position paper. (2) Analyze the content, interpretation, and limitations of the key publications sponsored by the AAO-HNSF, AHNS, and ATA regarding the management of thyroid surgical disease.