Thyroid surgery outcomes in octogenarians: A national analysis.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Geriatric Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Thyroid pathology incidence rises with age.
• Octogenarians may experience higher complication rates from thyroid surgery.
• This study evaluates thyroidectomy outcomes in octogenarians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical and financial outcomes of thyroidectomy in octogenarians (≥80 years).
• To compare outcomes between octogenarians and younger patients (≥55 years) undergoing thyroidectomy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the 2010-2020 National Readmissions Database for inpatient thyroidectomies.
• Identified and classified patients ≥80 years as octogenarians.
• Employed multivariable models to analyze associations between octogenarians and clinical/financial outcomes.

Main Results:

• Octogenarians (7.6% of cohort) faced higher odds of perioperative complications (AOR 1.36), including respiratory, renal, dysphagia, laryngeal edema, vocal cord paralysis, and stridor.
• Increased in-hospital mortality (AOR 6.34), higher expenditures (+$910), and 30-day readmissions (AOR 1.54) were observed in octogenarians.
• No significant difference in hypocalcemia rates was found between groups.

Conclusions:

• Octogenarians undergoing thyroidectomy exhibit significantly greater morbidity and mortality.
• Patients aged 80 and above require thorough counseling regarding elevated perioperative risks associated with thyroid surgery.