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Is thyroidectomy in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis more risky?
Catherine McManus1, Jie Luo, Rebecca Sippel
1Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. 53792-7375, USA.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|October 10, 2012
Summary
Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) increases thyroidectomy complication risks. Patients with HT experienced higher rates of overall, transient, and permanent complications after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder causing thyroid gland destruction and dysfunction.
- Thyroidectomy is a surgical option for symptomatic HT or suspected malignancy.
- Inflammatory processes in HT can complicate thyroid surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Hashimoto thyroiditis and postoperative complications following thyroidectomy.
- To compare complication rates in patients with and without HT undergoing thyroid surgery.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 1791 patients who underwent thyroidectomy between May 1994 and December 2009.
- Comparison of outcomes between patients with HT and those without HT using statistical tests (ANOVA, chi-square).
Main Results:
- Patients with HT were younger and more frequently female.
- No significant difference in malignancy rates was observed between groups.
- HT patients exhibited significantly higher rates of overall, transient, and permanent postoperative complications.
Conclusions:
- Hashimoto thyroiditis is associated with an increased risk of complications after thyroidectomy.
- Preoperative evaluation and informed consent should address the elevated surgical risks in HT patients.
- Careful consideration is warranted before proceeding with thyroidectomy in individuals with HT.
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