Post-thyroid Surgery Research Articles

Risk factors of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is a common complication following thyroid surgery. However, current research findings on the risk factors for post-thyroid surgery hypoPT are not entirely consistent, and the same risk factors may have different impacts on transient and permanent hypoPT. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive study to summarize and explore the risk factors for both transient and permanent hypoPT after thyroid surgery. Two databases (PubMed and Embase) were searched from inception to 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to rate study quality. Pooled odds ratios were used to calculate the relationship of each risk factor with transient and permanent hypoPT. Subgroup analyses were conducted for hypoPT with different definition-time (6 or 12 months). Publication bias was assessed using Begg's test and Egger's test. A total of 19 risk factors from the 93 studies were included in the analysis. Among them, sex and parathyroid autotransplantation were the most frequently reported risk factors. Meta-analysis demonstrated that sex (female vs. male), cN stage, central neck dissection, lateral neck dissection, extent of central neck dissection (bilateral vs. unilateral), surgery [total thyroidectomy (TT) vs. lobectomy], surgery type (TT vs. sub-TT), incidental parathyroidectomy, and pathology (cancer vs. benign) were significantly associated with transient and permanent hypoPT. Preoperative calcium and parathyroid autotransplantation were only identified as risk factors for transient hypoPT, while preoperative PTH was a protective factor. Additionally, node metastasis and parathyroid in specimen were associated with permanent hypoPT. The highest risk of hypoPT occurs in female thyroid cancer patients with lymph node metastasis undergoing TT combined with neck dissection. The key to preventing postoperative hypoPT lies in the selection of surgical approach and intraoperative protection.

Bridging the gap: a simulation-based education programme to improve the management of postoperative neck haematomas

Postoperative neck haematomas have a reported incidence of 3.4%. They result in a longer length of hospital stay, higher costs and a higher mortality rate. Consensus guidelines provide an algorithm for the management of a suspected neck haematoma and recommend that staff are trained to recognise the symptoms and signs of a neck haematoma. They also suggest the introduction of a post thyroid surgery emergency box. Our aims were to provide education in the form of simulation scenarios and to introduce a neck haematoma evacuation box. This quality improvement project was carried out in a large tertiary referral hospital, with over 1000 beds. It is the major head and neck surgical centre in Ireland. Ethical approval was granted by the hospital. Four simulation training sessions were carried out with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) nurses and interns. Voluntary surveys were conducted before and after the sessions. A sample neck haematoma evacuation box was used for the simulation scenarios. 50 staff participated in simulation training. 7% of staff had seen a neck being evacuated on the ward. 37% had received prior teaching on the management of neck haematomas. Significantly more participants reported to know the symptoms and signs of a neck haematoma and the required management of a neck haematoma after completion of the simulation sessions. All participants agreed neck haematoma evacuation boxes were necessary and would improve patient outcomes. The pre-simulation survey demonstrated that an unacceptably low amount of staff had previous training on this topic. Simulation training resulted in more participants being able to identify the signs and symptoms of a neck haematoma and more participants feeling confident regarding the necessary actions. The results show the positive impact of simulation training and provide a basis for advocating for this training to continue on a regular basis. Simulation works to increase participants confidence and familiarity with a given situation. Simulation training also improves technical skills and teamwork. There was unanimous support for the introduction of the post neck surgery haematoma evacuation boxes, which suggests that these would be a valuable introduction in our hospital.

Efficacy of Dexamethasone versus Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine for Bilateral Superficial Cervical Plexus Block in Thyroid Surgeries: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Thyroid surgeries are among the most frequently performed endocrine surgeries globally. Pain control is one of the many challenges faced by perioperative physicians in postthyroid surgery patients; if, left untreated, it can progress to chronic pain. Regional anaesthesia, such as Bilateral Superficial Cervical Plexus Block (BSCPB), can provide excellent analgesia in the initial postoperative period without the side effects of systemic analgesics. Aim: To assess postoperative pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at various intervals upto 24 hours postoperatively and to evaluate the duration of the superficial cervical plexus block. Secondary objectives include assessing intraoperative haemodynamic stability, analgesic consumption, and blockrelated complications. Materials and Methods: This randomised double-blinded clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at a teritary care centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University) Shri BM Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre in Vijayapur, Karanataka, India, from April 2023 to March 2024 on 74 American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grades I-II patients undergoing elective thyroid procedures were randomly assigned to two groups: Group Dexmedetomidine (DexD) (n=37), which received US-guided BSCPB with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 25 mcg of dexmedetomidine on both sides; and Group Dexamethasone (DexA) (n=37), which received USguided BSCPB with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 4 mg of dexamethasone on both sides. Intraoperative blood pressure, Heart Rate (HR), and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) were measured at predefined time periods. Postoperative VAS scores were assessed at predefined intervals, along with the time taken for the first analgesic request and the cumulative postoperative analgesic dose consumed. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test were used for data comparison. Results: The mean age in Group DexD was 42.59±8.64 years, and in Group DexA it was 45.40±8.96 years. Group DexD had significantly lower postoperative VAS scores for upto eight hours (2.108 vs. 2.72; p-value=0.0002), and the time before the first rescue analgesia request was significantly longer than that of Group DexA (688.37±55.75 min vs. 593.64±72.56 min; p-value=0.001). The total postoperative analgesic utilisation in the first 24 hours was significantly lower in Group DexD compared to Group DexA (81.08±20.754 mg vs. 104.17±44.921 mg; p-value=0.006). Group DexA experienced a lower incidence of nausea (p-value=0.002) and vomiting (p-value=0.001) in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine performed better than dexamethasone when added to bupivacaine for BSCPB for pain management during the postoperative period in patients undergoing thyroid surgical procedures. However, when added, dexamethasone has the advantage of reducing nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period.

Patient-perceived dysphagia and voice change post thyroid surgery: a telephone questionnaire.

This study analyses the incidence of subjectively experienced dysphagia and voice change in post-thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy patients without recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. A total of 400 patients were invited to participate in a telephone questionnaire based on the Dysphagia Handicap Index and Voice Handicap Index. At 6-24 months following surgery, participants were divided into: post-thyroid surgery (total, hemi-, parathyroidectomy) groups and controls (other ENT procedures). A total of 254 responses were received (127 following thyroid surgery, 127 controls). Twenty-two per cent of post-thyroidectomy patients had a Voice Handicap Index score of more than 3, compared to 15 per cent of parathyroid patients and 4 per cent of controls. The mean Dysphagia Handicap Index score for patients post thyroidectomy and hemi-thyroidectomy was 2.0. Parathyroidectomy patients had a mean Dysphagia Handicap Index score of 1.3, higher than controls at 1.0. Dysphagia and voice alteration are common following thyroid surgery, even in the absence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Both deficits occur more frequently following thyroid surgery than parathyroid surgery.

A100Simulating to manage post thyroidectomy haematoma safely: Improving fidelity whilst reducing cost

Simulation training sessions were designed at the University Hospital of Wales in order to implement the new national guidelines for the management of suspected haematoma following thyroid surgery [1]. Opportunities included on site portable training with a part task trainer and high-fidelity scenarios simulating patient deterioration following thyroid surgery in an immersive environment. Our initial design for the high-fidelity set-up included a simulated neck haematoma achieved by using a second generation supraglottic airway device (SAD) with an inflatable cuff placed in the manikin’s neck with the laryngeal opening outwards and tubing inside the chest. The opening was filled with red jelly, covered by simulated strap muscles (made from simulated small bowel with interrupted sutures) and simulated neck skin (which presented a sutured incision complete with steri-strips). Ongoing bleeding was simulated by injecting liquid jelly through the SAD’s gastric port via a long connecting tube in the manikin’s thorax. This simulation training increased confidence and familiarity with the steps required to manage post thyroid surgery haematomas in 100% (15/15) of candidates, with 73% grading the mannikin ≥4/5 for realism. However, it was costly to provide and time-consuming to set up. It was decided to try to make the set-up cheaper and easier to reproduce without impairing quality. Equipment costs were reviewed and alternative options identified. Expensive components included the SAD and bowel material, which were replaced with a cheaper SAD and a disposable tourniquet fashioned as shown in Making the simulation larynx and strap muscles. A step by step guide The cost of disposable props used in each session was reduced from £133.04 to £8.52 with the new equipment. The designers also felt it was significantly more robust and easier to reproduce. This approach could also be easily adapted for mobile part-task training, improving multi-disciplinary access to training. Feedback showed 47% of candidates felt the new set-up to be better, and 47% reported non-inferiority. Changing to new equipment resulted in a design that was significantly cheaper, easier to source and set-up, while being at least as realistic and offering training opportunities outside the high-fidelity environment. Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.

Relationship Between Sonographic Findings, Fine Needle Aspiration, and Histopathological Findings of Post-thyroid Surgery.

Thyroid diseases can affect various bodily functions and often go unnoticed. Tools such as sonography and fine needle aspiration (FNA) puncture are necessary to diagnose diseases that require surgical intervention. These tools help identify signs of malignancy or benignity and obtain further data to guide therapeutic decisions. This study aims to validate the relationship between sonographic results, FNA, and final thyroid pathology. This research describes the level of correlation between sonographic findings and FNA, the sonographic and final pathology reports, and the FNA and final pathology reports. Additionally, this research aims to identify the most common diagnoses in the final pathology. A retrospective descriptive observational study was carried out with a sample of 95 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at the National Institute of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition (INDEN), Dominican Republic, in 2019 to determine whether a relationship exists between the sonography findings, FNA, and the final pathology in surgical thyroid pathologies. A total of 95 patients were studied. The success rate of the sonography results compared with the benign final biopsy result was 100% and 45.9% with the malignant final biopsy result. The success rate of the fine needle biopsy results was 95.9% for the benign final biopsy and 28% for the malignant final biopsy. Of the malignant final biopsy reports, 84.6% were papillary carcinomas, 7.7% were follicular carcinomas, and 7.7% were medullary carcinomas. The relationship between the sonographic results, FNA, and histopathological findings of surgical thyroid diseases is validated. The sonographic findings are specific for diagnosing benignity and malignancy. A fine needle biopsy is useful for diagnosing benignity, and the final biopsy is the standard for confirming both benign and malignant pathologies.

Post-Thyroid Surgery Complications in Patients with Palpable Thyroid Gland

Objective: To determine the rate of post-thyroid surgery complications in patients with a palpable thyroid gland. Study design and setting: Cross sectional observational, Department of ENT, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. Methodology:Patients were enrolled from OPD and wards. Patients with palpable thyroid gland with plan for thyroid surgery were included. Thyroid surgery was performed by a surgeon having >5 years of experience. Patients were discharged by 48–72 hours postoperatively. All patients had their vocal cords checked at the time of extubation. On the follow-up visit at day 5, final diagnosis of complications was assessed. For data analysis, SPSS v23.0 was used. Cross tabulation was done with type of surgery (lobectomy, isthmusectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, near total thyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy) to see effect of these on outcome variables by applying chi square test. A p-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results:Total 157 patients with palpable thyroid gland were selected for this study. Mean age of the patients was 39.8±12.2 years. Total 112(71.3%) were males and 45(28.7%) were females. Out of 157 patients, 14(8.9%) had hypoparathyroidism, while, 72(45.9%), 40(25.5%), 16(10.2%) and 15(9.6%) had hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, RLN paralysis and airway obstruction respectively. Conclusion:More extensive procedures are associated with greater number of complications in thyroid surgery. Complications of thyroid surgery can be minimized by sound knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy and an unhurried, gentle operation technique. Keywords: Thyroidectomy, Post-thyroid Surgery Complications, Lobectomy, Isthmusectomy, Subtotal Thyroidectomy

Patterns of Prescribing Postoperative Analgesic Medication After Thyroid Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Mild-to-moderate postoperative pain is common after surgical procedures of the thyroid. Opioid analgesics have been commonly prescribed in such cases, but their use has been debated owing to concerns regarding the addictive nature of opioids. Recently, experts from the Endocrine Surgery Section of the American Head and Neck Society released a consensus document to limit the use of opioids as the first-line pain control medication after head and neck or endocrine procedures. However, differences in pain management prescriptions have been noted in many settings. This study aims to assess the post-thyroid surgery pain control medication prescription practices of head and neck and endocrine surgeons. This study retrospectively reviewed the charts of 105 adult patients who underwent thyroid surgery (total thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, or subtotal thyroidectomy) by head and neck or endocrine surgeons. The type of prescribed pain medication at hospital discharge postoperatively was then retrieved from each patient's discharge medication list. Descriptive statistics mean, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages were computed, while the Chi-square test was applied to measure the significant differences among variables at a 5.00% significant level. An outpatient oral opioid, in the form combining paracetamol and codeine, was prescribed for 62 (59%) patients, whereas 43 (41%) were discharged on paracetamol only. The use of opioids is the practice pattern for pain management among some head and neck or endocrine surgeons despite emerging evidence that supports the use of non-opioid and other alternative analgesic strategies in outpatient thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Further research and quality improvement interventions should be geared towards leading all health professionals to appropriate prescription practices to improve patient safety and reduce unnecessary opioid prescriptions.

Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis after Thyroid Surgery with Injection Laryngoplasty: State of Art Review.

BackgroundUnilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) after thyroid surgery often leads to significant morbidity including dysphonia, dysphagia, and aspiration. Injection laryngoplasty (IL) is an effective treatment of UVFP with numerous readily available materials. However, few studies focus on IL for UVFP following thyroidectomy.ObjectivesThis review aims to critically review current literature to determine the timing, materials, methods and outcomes of IL for UVFP after thyroid surgery.Type of ReviewLiterature review.MethodsA literature review was performed using the Pubmed, Medline and EMBASE databases. All relevant articles published in English addressing the effect of IL in post thyroid surgery related UVFP were analyzed. Studies using IL for UVFP of multiple etiologies were excluded. Meta-analysis was conducted using fixed and random effect model.ResultsFive original studies were identified, including 214 patients received IL for UVFP following thyroid surgery. Two studies injected autologous fat via direct suspension laryngoscope under general anesthesia, while the other 3 studies injected polyacrylamide, hyaluronic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate from cricothyroid membrane under local anesthesia. All 5 studies reported improved voice outcomes of IL for post-thyroidectomy UVFP. Meta-analysis showed MPT increased for 3.18 s (95% CI: 2.40–3.96, fix effect model) after IL. Another common acoustic parameter, jitter (%) also improved for 1.46 (95% CI: 0.73–2.19, random effects model) after IL for post-thyroidectomy UVFP.ConclusionsThis review supported that IL can improve the voice outcome for post-thyroidectomy UVFP. Autologous fat remains a good augmentation material with a potential longer lasting effect. More research and long-term surveys are needed to document the safety and longevity of other synthetic materials.

Study to assess proper timing of laryngoscopy in post-thyroid surgery patients to detect recurrent laryngeal nerve injury

Background: Thyroid surgeries are commonly done nowadays for benign and malignant conditions. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) is an important and potentially catastrophic complication of thyroid surgery. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of rigid endoscopy (Hopkins rod-lens telescope) performed at different time intervals on the diagnosis of RLNP in post-thyroid surgery patients. Aims and Objectives: To assess Proper Timing of Laryngoscopy in Post-thyroid Surgery patients to Detect RLN Injury. Materials and Methods: Rigid endoscopy was performed postoperatively at day 0 (T0), at 2nd day post-op (T1), and day 14 (T2). For patients with RLNP, repeated examinations were performed at 2 months (T3), 6 months (T4), and 12 months (T5). Results: The study included 50 patients of thyroid swelling with different diagnoses. Overall, 35 patients appeared for postoperative laryngoscopic examination of the vocal folds at our center, providing 61 nerves at risk. RLNP rate was 8.1% at T0, 11.5% at T1, 9.8% at T2, 8.1% at T3, 4.9% at T4, and 3.3% at T5. T1 was significantly superior to all other time intervals in terms of diagnosis of RLNP but statistically not significant. Conclusion: Rigid endoscopy is essential for the detection of vocal cord paralysis after thyroidectomy. We report different time evaluation criteria of vocal cord morbidity with great and significant variability of results. Second day post-op inspection of the larynx (T1) is suggested.

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.

SummaryHaematoma 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.

Hypocalcemia following thyroid surgery- A prospective study

Introduction: This was a prospective observational study of 18-month duration. The purpose of this study is to compare preoperative serum calcium levels with postoperative serum calcium levels and to analyze postthyroid surgery hypocalcemia with regard to prevalence, clinical presentation, and severity and to treat hypocalcemia if it occurs. In addition, we analyzed the correlation of postoperative hypocalcemia with relation to the type of surgery, diagnosis, duration of surgery, and the quantity of blood loss. This study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent thyroid surgery in the Department of General Surgery of a tertiary hospital in Puducherry for 18 months from November 2014 to April 2016. The median age of the patients was 40 years. The sex ratio was 17:2 in favor of females. Out of 38 patients, 18 patients were diagnosed with multinodular goiter, 8 were follicular carcinoma thyroid, 5 were papillary carcinoma thyroid, 2 were medullary carcinoma thyroid, 4 were adenomatoid nodule, and 1 patient was diagnosed to have thyroid abscess. In addition, 31 patients underwent total thyroidectomy, 6 patients underwent hemithyroidectomy when 1 patient underwent incision and drainage for thyroid abscess. Results: 39% (n = 15) of the patients developed hypocalcemia postoperatively. 87% (n = 11) of the patients were symptomatic and required calcium correction. Two patients had delayed presentation of hypocalcemia on postoperative day 5. One patient who underwent hemithyroidectomy developed hypocalcemia in the postoperative period. Trousseau's sign was the most typical clinical feature seen in hypocalcemia patients. In the present study, no significant association of hypocalcemia with the female gender was noted, and we did not find any association of hypocalcemia with advancing age. We did not find any association between hypocalcemia and prolonged surgery duration or increased blood loss in the present study. In addition, we did not see any increase in the incidence of hypocalcemia in patients who underwent thyroidectomy combined with lymph node clearance. Conclusion: The rate of postoperative hypocalcemia following thyroid surgery in this study was 39%. It coincides with the incidence reported elsewhere in the world. Although the risk of hypocalcemia was associated with increased blood loss, prolonged surgery, and extent of surgery, it was not statistically significant. If a similar study is conducted on a larger scale, including a broader spectrum of the population, important factors that influence postoperative hypocalcemia may be recognized.

SUN-479 Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) to the Thyroid: Case Report and Clinical Lesson

Background: Metastatic neoplasms to the thyroid gland are rare and have been observed more in autopsy series than in clinical series. Case: A 71-year old woman presented for thyroid nodule evaluation which was incidentally noted on CT/PET scan. She was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) stage IV (6.4 cm, left nephrectomy) 4 months prior. She had right hemi-thyroidectomy 30 years prior for a benign nodule. She was clinically and biochemically euthyroid with dysphagia and hoarseness in her voice. Thyroid u/s revealed multiple nodules in the left lobe with a dominant 3.6 x 2.9 x 3.6 cm solid, heterogeneous nodule with grade 3 hypervascularity. History positive for 1 cm right renal mass and multiple pulmonary nodules increasing in size thought to be consistent with metastases. The FNA of the dominant nodule was indeterminate, Bethesda III (AUS), GSC suspicious (Affirma, 50% ROM) with negative malignancy classifiers. Patient underwent completion thyroidectomy, and surgical path was consistent multifocal clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) with the largest focus of 3 cm based on clear cell features and strong positivity for stains: CK OSCAR, RCC, PAX-8 & CD-10. Patient is currently on Pazopanib post thyroid surgery for 18 months, and is stable with no further increase in the size of lung nodules or right renal mass and negative serial PET scans. Clinical lesson: CRCC represents 3-4% of all adult malignancies and 85% of all primary renal tumors. In clinical series, CRCC is the most frequent source of thyroid metastases and represents 12-34% of all secondary thyroid tumors. About 17% of patients with CRCC have metastatic disease at diagnosis. Metastases can be synchronous or metachronous to the primary tumor. Latency from nephrectomy to diagnosis of thyroid mets varies from 2 months-21.9 years. Metastases can be solitary (more common), multiple or diffuse. Radiological findings typically reveal hypoechoic and vascularized mass on ultrasound and cold on thyroid scan. Metastases to thyroid can pose diagnostic problem and be a source of confusion in cytology interpretation. Metastatic CRCC can simulate morphologically primary thyroid neoplasm such as Hurthle cell neoplasm or thyroid carcinomas with clear cell changes. Metastatic carcinoma within the thyroid gland is negative for thyroglobulin, TTF-1, calcitonin unlike primary thyroid cancer. CRCC is usually positive for periodic acid-Schiff and Oil red O, vimentin, and CD10. The mean survival in patients with CRCC who had thyroidectomy alone or with adjuvant treatment was 3 years. Conclusion: Thyroid metastases should be considered in patients with thyroid nodules and positive history of RCC. The preoperative distinction between primary and secondary tumors is difficult. Immunohistochemistry is a useful method for the evaluation of patients with suspected thyroid nodules.

Drain placement in thyroidectomy is associated with longer hospital stay without preventing hematoma.

To analyze the effect of drain placement on postoperative hematoma formation and other associated outcomes post-thyroid surgery in a large national cohort. This was a retrospective study that analyzed data from the 2016-2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) public use files. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between drain and no drain cohorts. A total of 11,626 patients were included; 3281 had a drain placed intraoperatively and 8345 did not. Otolaryngologists were 6.98 times more likely to place a drain after thyroidectomy than general surgeons (P < .001), and patients undergoing subtotal or total thyroidectomy were 2.17 times more likely to have a drain placed than if undergoing partial thyroidectomy (P < .001). Drain placement did not reduce hematoma formation on both univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted OR = 0.93, P = .696). A slightly larger proportion of patients underwent unplanned intubation postoperatively among those who had a drain placed (0.76% vs. 0.29%, P < .001). Patients who received a drain were on average 4.63 times as likely to remain in the hospital for 2 or more days compared to those who did not receive a drain. Drain placement did not significantly affect postoperative hematoma formation following thyroidectomy. Drain placement should not be routinely employed in these patients. However, surgeon judgement and intraoperative considerations should be taken into account, as to when to place a drain. N/A Laryngoscope, 130:1349-1356, 2020.

ENT Quality Improvement Program as a tool to improve the collection of morbidity and mortality data: a multisite audit carried out over 6 months

ObjectiveThis project aims to assess the role of a standardised process of data collection to improve morbidity and mortality data across the region.DesignSix hospitals within the North West (UK) were...

Hypoparathyroidism Presenting as Movement Disorder and Seizure in a Case of Post- Surgical Hypothyroidism

Introduction: Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism are common complications of thyroid surgery. Hypoparathyroidism can cause carpopedal spasm, paresthesia, seizures and rarely movement disorders along with extensive intracranial calcification and many patients receive antiepileptic drugs for seizures without proper metabolic evaluation. Case: We report a 42 year old Indian female presenting with persistent ataxic gait with moderate truncal ataxia along with dyskinetic movements in both hands and slurred speech. She was operated for multinodular goiter (MNG) 21 years back – developed extensive intracranial calcification (diagnosed as Fahr’s Disease) and was put on Phenytoin therapy for repeated seizures about one year but seizures remain uncontrolled. Investigations revealed euthyroid state (with thyroxin replacement) along with features of hypoparathyroidism. She was treated accordingly which resulted in improvement of movement disorders quickly and seizure were also controlled. Phenytoin was successfully withdrawn with no further seizure. Discussion: Acquired hypoparathyroidism (Post-thyroid surgery here) is a common cause of intracranial calcifications (including Basal ganglia) which causes seizures and rarely movement disorders. This case was wrongly diagnosed as Fahr’s syndrome. All her symptoms improved after proper metabolic correction. Hence the importance of proper metabolic assessment in cases of seizures and movement disorders is emphasized here. Conclusions: Metabolic abnormalities should always be evaluated in patients with seizure disorder, especially if there is history of thyroid surgery and metabolic correction is more important than anticonvulsant medication and it improves almost all neurological problems including the movement disturbances and cerebellar ataxia.

Introducing a procedure-specific Venous Thrombo-Embolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis protocol for thyroid surgery patients

The updated 2014 British Thyroid Association thyroid cancer guidelines recommends that chemoprophylaxis is not routinely indicated as there is no increased risk of Veno-Thrombo Embolism (VTE) in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Contrasting this, our recently instituted Trust wide VTE prophylaxis guidance meant that all patients with a potential thyroid cancer diagnosis would require chemoprophylaxis.The literature was reviewed and chemoprophylaxis was found to increase the bleeding risk post thyroid surgery. A project was undertaken to balance the risk of VTE with the potential for increased morbidity following thyroid surgery and produce procedure specific guidelines.Retrospective analysis found that in contrast to national standards, 78% of patients had chemoprophylaxis and there was a 9% post-operative haematoma rate. Departmental audit, literature review and discussion with Trust audit lead allowed for development and implementation of a variant VTE prophylaxis guidance allowing a scoring system for intermediate group (medium risk) in addition to previous low and high risk groups.The change in practice was followed by further analysis showing a reduction in post-operative haematoma to 0% with no increased incidence of VTE, highlighting that adoption of a procedure specific VTE policy has allowed for safe practice but continuous monitoring is essential to maintain improvement.

The use of intraoperative PTH-measurement in the prediction of post-operative hypocalcemia for thyroid surgery: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Hypocalcemia is a common occurrence in the early postoperative period following thyroid surgery. The intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) assay has been proposed by many groups as a tool for early risk assessment, though a definitive evaluation of its’ predictive value for post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia has not been made. We investigate the prognostic value of IOPTH assay for post thyroid surgery hypocalcemia via meta-analysis of current literature.

Improving and standardising thyroid hormone replacement therapy post thyroid surgery

Improving and standardising thyroid hormone replacement therapy post thyroid surgery

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in a Gastroenterology Practice

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryVolume 143, Issue S2 p. P216-P216 Poster Presentation Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in a Gastroenterology Practice Boris Bentsianov MD, Boris Bentsianov MD presenterSearch for more papers by this authorBhawna Halwan MSc, MD, Bhawna Halwan MSc, MDSearch for more papers by this author Boris Bentsianov MD, Boris Bentsianov MD presenterSearch for more papers by this authorBhawna Halwan MSc, MD, Bhawna Halwan MSc, MDSearch for more papers by this author First published: 20 June 2017 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.06.425Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume143, IssueS2August 2010Pages P216-P216 RelatedInformation