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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
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Published on: May 12, 2023
Ethnic disparities in thyroid surgery outcomes in New Zealand
Hyok Jun Kwon1, Randall P Morton1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand.
Background:
Although thyroid disease is known to have significant ethnic variability, ethnic disparities in outcomes of thyroid surgery have been poorly studied.
Method:
Retrospective review of 716 consecutive thyroid operations at Counties Manukau Health, a public health provider in New Zealand, from January 2002 to August 2013.
Results:
Compared with Europeans, Māori and Pacific Islanders have longer operation times (P < 0.001) and heavier thyroid glands (P < 0.001). Polynesians also had higher risk of post-operative haemorrhage compared with non-Polynesians (P = 0.016). They also have higher body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and rates of smoking. There were no differences in length of inpatient stay and readmission rates.
Conclusions:
There are significant ethnic differences in certain outcomes of thyroid surgery. Part of this may be explained by higher co-morbid characteristics.
