[Complications in thyroid operations]

Serious postoperative complications following thyroid surgery are to be expected in approximately 3% of cases. Intraoperative blood loss, usually in the region of the superior thyroid artery, should be minimised by careful preparation. Damage to recurrent laryngeal nerves is usually indirect due to stretching. Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves can be minimised by thoroughly searching for them. Permanent tetany may be avoided by demonstration and sparing of the parathyroid bodies and their blood supply. Postoperative complications of the various forms of breathing disturbance, secondary bleeding, hyperthyroid crises and hypothyroidism will be discussed in detail.