The relation between preoperative ultrasonographic thyroid volume analysis and thyroidectomy complications

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Predicting complications is crucial for patient safety.
• Thyroid volume (ThV) is a potential factor influencing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between preoperative thyroid volume and the incidence of complications following thyroidectomy.
• To assess if ultrasound-derived thyroid volume can predict surgical risks in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign goiter.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 500 patients with benign goiter undergoing thyroidectomy.
• Patients classified into three groups based on preoperative thyroid volume (<50 ml, 50-100 ml, >100 ml) determined by ultrasound.
• Correlation analysis between thyroid volume and peroperative/postoperative complications.

Main Results:

• Peroperative complications, including trachea injury and bleeding, were significantly higher in patients with larger thyroid volumes (p = 0.003).
• A highly significant association was found between smaller thyroid volumes (<50 ml) and temporary hypocalcemia (p < 0.001).
• Temporary and permanent vocal cord paralysis (VCP) were significantly more frequent in patients with larger thyroid volumes (p = 0.002), with all permanent VCP cases occurring in volumes >100 ml.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid volume is a significant predictor of thyroidectomy complications.
• Smaller thyroid volumes are associated with an increased risk of hypocalcemia.
• Larger thyroid volumes are linked to a higher incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage and peroperative bleeding.