Risk factors for complications after thyroid surgery

Data on 60 patients who underwent thyroid surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological data were compared with the occurrence of the complications of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypocalcaemia and laryngeal oedema. Age, pressure symptoms and types of pathology were not associated with complications. Large glands and radiological evidence of a compressed trachea were statistically significant risk factors for postoperative complications.