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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
05:12
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Volume-based trends in thyroid surgery.
Christine G Gourin1, Ralph P Tufano, Arlene A Forastiere
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, 601 N Caroline St, Ste 6260, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. cgourin1@jhmi.edu
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|December 22, 2010
Summary
High-volume surgeons and hospitals performed more thyroid surgeries from 1990-2009, leading to better outcomes. Thyroid cancer surgeries, however, were less likely to be performed by high-volume surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Thyroid surgery volume is a critical factor in patient outcomes.
- Understanding trends in surgical care access is essential for quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze contemporary patterns in thyroid surgical care.
- To identify factors associated with access to high-volume thyroid surgery.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of adult thyroid surgery cases in Maryland (1990-2009).
- Utilized the Maryland Health Service Cost Review Commission database.
- Examined procedures performed by high-volume vs. low-volume surgeons and hospitals.
Main Results:
- Procedures by high-volume surgeons increased from 15.7% to 30.9%; high-volume hospitals from 11.9% to 22.7%.
- High-volume surgeons performed more total thyroidectomies and neck dissections, with fewer complications.
- Thyroid cancer surgery was less likely performed by high-volume surgeons or in high-volume hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Significant increase in thyroid surgeries performed by high-volume surgeons and hospitals from 1990-2009.
- Surgeon volume is linked to reduced complication rates.
- Further research is needed to understand why thyroid cancer surgeries are less concentrated among high-volume providers.
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