A National Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes in Completion Thyroidectomy and Total Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objective

To characterize and assess the non–thyroid-specific postoperative complications of completion thyroidectomy as compared with total thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis: 2005 to 2017.

Setting

National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Subjects and Methods

Patients aged >18 years receiving a completion or total thyroidectomy were eligible for inclusion. Patients not treated by otolaryngologists or general surgeons and with unknown demographic variables were excluded.

Results

A total of 70,638 patients were analyzed, representing 64,763 total thyroidectomies and 5875 completion thyroidectomies. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.1% for both procedures (P > .05). Overall, 1.7% and 1.4% of patients undergoing total and completion thyroidectomies experienced at least 1 complication (P > .05), while 1.2% and 0.9% had a postoperative medical complication (P = .0186), respectively. On multivariable analysis, patients undergoing total thyroidectomies were significantly more likely to return to the operating room (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04-1.80; P = .027) and to be readmitted (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.16-1.81; P = .001). Adjusted analysis also demonstrated that patients undergoing total thyroidectomies were more likely to be inpatients (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11-1.24; P < .001), be treated by nonotolaryngologists (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.29-1.45; P < .001), and smoke (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.13-1.33; P < .001).

Conclusion

National data suggest that total and completion thyroidectomies are relatively safe procedures but that completion thyroidectomies are associated with lower rates of postoperative complications. These findings may play a role in determining treatment plans for patients and optimizing risk reduction.