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Total thyroidectomy in geriatric patients: a retrospective study.
F Tartaglia1, G Russo1, M Sgueglia1
1Department of Surgical Sciences - "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Surgery (London, England)
|August 30, 2014
Summary
Total thyroidectomy is safe for patients over 65 years. This retrospective study found no significant increase in postoperative complications or mortality in elderly patients undergoing thyroid surgery compared to younger patients.
Area of Science:
- Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Defining "elderly" in medical literature lacks a universal standard.
- Aging populations necessitate understanding surgical risks in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare outcomes of total thyroidectomy in patients over 65 versus under 65.
- To assess the safety and complication rates of thyroid surgery in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1723 total thyroidectomy patients (2000-2010).
- Patients divided into two groups: over 65 (Group 1, n=448) and under 65 (Group 2, n=1275).
- Comparison of surgical indications, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in surgical indications, comorbidities, postoperative complications (laryngeal nerve palsy, hypocalcemia, bleeding, seroma), or mortality between groups.
- Neoplastic disease incidence was slightly higher in the younger group (Group 2).
Conclusions:
- Total thyroidectomy is a safe procedure for patients over 65.
- Elderly patients do not experience a higher rate of postoperative complications, but careful preoperative risk assessment is crucial due to potential comorbidities.
