Ambulatory Surgery vs Overnight Observation for Total Thyroidectomy: Cost Analysis and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Total thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Patient financial impact and surgical outcomes of ambulatory versus inpatient care require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the financial impact and surgical outcomes of ambulatory (same-day discharge) versus overnight admission after total thyroidectomy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 870 total thyroidectomy patients from October 2011 to July 2017.
• Patients were categorized into inpatient (≥1 night) or outpatient (same-day discharge) groups.
• Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, postoperative outcomes, charges, and costs within 30 days.

Main Results:

• Outpatient total thyroidectomy was performed in 42.2% of patients.
• Complications occurred in 19.4% of patients, with hypocalcemia significantly higher in the inpatient group (14.3% vs 9.26%).
• Outpatient surgery resulted in an average cost saving of $2367.27 per patient (P < .0001).

Conclusions:

• Ambulatory total thyroidectomy is a safe approach for selected patients with few comorbidities.
• Outpatient thyroidectomy significantly reduces healthcare costs.
• This strategy offers a viable option for cost reduction in thyroid surgery.