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Published on: September 20, 2024
Outpatient hemithyroidectomy: safety and feasibility
A Torfs1, G Laureyns, P Lemkens
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium. ann.torfs@uzleuven.be
B-ENT
|February 16, 2013
Summary
Outpatient hemithyroidectomy is feasible and safe for carefully selected patients in Belgium, showing a low complication rate. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- General Surgery
Background:
- Thyroidectomy in Belgium is traditionally an inpatient procedure due to risks like hypocalcemia, nerve damage, and bleeding.
- Outpatient thyroidectomy is viable only if complication rates are demonstrably low.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and safety of performing hemithyroidectomy (surgical removal of one thyroid lobe) on an outpatient basis.
Main Methods:
- 54 patients meeting specific inclusion criteria underwent outpatient hemithyroidectomy via standard cervicotomy under general anesthesia.
- No surgical drains were used, and patient outcomes were monitored for complications, unplanned admissions, and readmissions.
Main Results:
- No intra-operative complications occurred in the 54 patients (mean age 46, 81% female).
- 81.5% of patients were discharged as planned after a 3-hour observation period.
- 18.5% of patients required admission for reasons including nausea, anesthesia recovery, or social factors, but all were discharged the next day with no readmissions.
Conclusions:
- Outpatient hemithyroidectomy is safe and feasible in carefully selected patients by experienced surgeons, with a low complication rate.
- The study sample size is small, necessitating larger trials to validate these outcomes.
