Thyroidectomy in high body mass index patients: A single center experience

To identify the correlation between high body mass index (BMI ≥ 25) and the risk of postoperative complications of thyroidectomy.

A comparative study between thyroidectomy performed in normal or overweigh-obese patients has been performed. Postoperative outcomes, including hypocalcemia, laryngeal nerve palsy, bleeding, operation time and hospital stay, were evaluated.

A total of 266 patients underwent total thyroidectomy were included. Of them, 104 patients had a BMI below 25 and 162 patients had a BMI ≥ 25. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of early or permanent hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, bleeding complications, or postoperative duration of hospital stay. There was, however, a higher operative time in patients with a BMI ≥ 25.

Despite the longer operative time, thyroidectomy can be performed safely in patients with a BMI ≥ 25.