Paediatric thyroid surgery is safe--experiences at a tertiary surgical centre
René Fahrner1, Lucia Ubersax, Anja Mettler
1University Hospital Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, SWITZERLAND; r.fahrner@web.de.
Swiss Medical Weekly
|February 28, 2014
Summary
Paediatric thyroidectomy is safe when performed by experienced endocrine and paediatric surgical teams. This collaborative approach ensures acceptable outcomes for children undergoing thyroid surgery, even for total thyroidectomy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Thyroidectomy in children is uncommon, primarily indicated for thyroid neoplasms.
- This study investigates the safety of pediatric thyroid surgery.
- Collaboration between adult endocrine and pediatric surgeons is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of thyroid surgery in pediatric patients.
- To assess outcomes when performed by a combined team of adult endocrine and pediatric surgeons.
- To compare pediatric thyroidectomy safety with adult standards.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from 2002-2012.
- 36 pediatric patients (<18 years) underwent thyroid surgery.
- Procedures were performed by experienced endocrine and pediatric surgeons.
Main Results:
- Median age was 13 years; 83% were female.
- Most operations (75%) were for benign thyroid disease; 25% for malignancy/MEN.
- Low morbidity: one persistent hypoparathyroidism, one persistent and two temporary recurrent nerve palsies.
Conclusions:
- Paediatric thyroidectomy is safe when performed by a combined endocrine and pediatric surgical team.
- Acceptable morbidity rates were observed, even with total thyroidectomy for benign conditions.
- This collaborative approach supports safe surgical management of pediatric thyroid pathologies.
