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Published on: September 20, 2024
Outpatient thyroidectomy: safety and patients' satisfaction
Sofia I Sahmkow1, Nathalie Audet, Sylvie Nadeau
1of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Université Laval, Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire de Québec, Québec, QC.
Summary
Outpatient thyroid surgery, including total and partial thyroidectomy, is safe and well-tolerated. This study found high patient satisfaction and low complication rates, supporting its use as an ambulatory procedure.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Ambulatory Surgery
Background:
- Thyroidectomy traditionally requires inpatient care, despite a growing trend towards ambulatory surgery.
- Limited data exists on the safety and feasibility of outpatient thyroidectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and outcomes of performing thyroid surgery in an outpatient setting.
- To assess complication rates, patient satisfaction, and readmission following ambulatory thyroidectomy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational cohort study of 200 thyroidectomy procedures (total and partial) performed at two tertiary care centers.
- Postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels guided calcium and calcitriol supplementation.
- Key outcomes included complications, admissions, readmissions, and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Out of 171 patients undergoing 200 procedures, 12% required immediate admission for various reasons.
- Readmissions occurred in 3 patients (2 for surgical site infections, 1 for hypocalcemia).
- Temporary hypocalcemia affected 10% of patients, while patient satisfaction and security averaged 9.3/10.
Conclusions:
- Outpatient thyroid surgery is a safe and effective alternative to inpatient procedures.
- High patient satisfaction and manageable complication rates support the adoption of ambulatory thyroidectomy.
