Abstract
Objectives
Review the complication rate and drain output characteristics during the immediate postoperative period for open thyroplasty via anterior neck approach with drain placement.
Methods
A retrospective cohort review of patients requiring open thyroplasty at 2 academic medical centers in the Midwestern United States between 1/1/1997 and 6/30/2007. Charts of patients receiving a thyroplasty were selected by CPT code and reviewed for rates of postoperative hemorrhage, hematoma formation, seroma formation, and upper airway compromise. Drain output quantities were examined, where available.
Results
Charts of 107 patients and 112 total procedures were reviewed. 18 procedures were excluded from this series due to simultaneous performance of other procedures. One (1/94) patient developed postoperative hematoma with upper airway obstruction. Hematoma evacuation was performed and the patient was subsequently discharged in stable condition. Average patient age was 59.3 years. Postoperative drain output was recorded as “minimal” in 58/94 (62%) of cases. Average drain output was 17.7 mL for those which were recorded. Hospital stay was less than 24-hours for 89/94 (95%) of cases.
Conclusions
In this series, patients having undergone open thyroplasty have had little to no drain output prior to the discontinuation of the drain. This, as well as the low rate of overall complication associated with this procedure, would support the opinion that such drains may be unnecessary in these cases.
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