[Expert consensus on the management of postoperative dyspnea following thyroid tumor surgery]

In recent years, the incidence of thyroid tumor has risen significantly, and thyroid cancer has emerged as one of the most common malignant tumors in the head and neck region. Surgery remains the primary treatment for thyroid tumors, but postoperative dyspnea still occurs occasionally and becomes a serious complication. Although its incidence is relatively low, the underlying causes are complex, and severe cases can be life-threatening. Currently, there are no standardized perioperative protocols or guidelines available, either domestically or internationally. To address this gap, the Head and Neck Tumor Specialty Committee of Chinese Pharmaceutical Education Association, the Thyroid Cancer Specialty Committee of China Anti-cancer Association, the Head and Neck Surgery Group of the Otorhinolaryngology Society of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and the Thyroid Disease Specialty Committee of the Sichuan Medical Association convened a multidisciplinary panel of over 90 experts from different fields including head and neck surgery, thyroid surgery, general surgery, otolaryngology surgery, oncologic surgery, and anesthesiology. Through a systematic literature review, evidence appraisal, and multiple rounds of expert discussions, a consensus was reached on the etiology, monitoring, assessment, and management of postoperative dyspnea in thyroid tumor patients. This expert consensus comprises 17 key recommendations, aiming to provide scientific reference and standardized guidance for clinical practice.