The Safety of Outpatient Total Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objectives:

Establish whether total thyroidectomy can be performed safely in the outpatient setting.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of 410 total thyroidectomies performed by a single surgeon between 2009-2012. Of these, 241 were performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. Outcome measures included symptomatic hypocalcemia, readmission for hypocalcemia, true vocal cord paralysis/paresis, hematoma, and overall readmission rate.

Results:

Of the total thyroidectomies performed by a single-surgeon between 2009-2012, 241/410 (59%) were outpatient procedures. Symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred in 12/241 (4.9%) and readmission for hypocalcemia occurred in 4/241 (1.6%). True vocal cord paralysis was not observed, however 5/241 (2.1%) did have transient vocal cord weakness that resolved without further intervention. Hematoma requiring surgical intervention occurred in 2/241 (0.8%). Overall readmission rate was 5/241 (2.1%).

Conclusions:

Though traditionally an inpatient procedure; our experience indicates that outpatient thyroidectomy is a safe and reasonable option.