Outcomes after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports on postoperative outcomes following thyroid and parathyroid surgery are limited by relatively small sample size. We report 30-day outcomes following thyroid and parathyroid surgery and analyze factors affecting length of stay (LOS) and postoperative adverse events (AEs).

METHODS: The multicenter, prospective, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) datasets (2007/2008) were used. Multivariable logistic regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed.

RESULTS: Patients undergoing thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, or both were identified (n = 13,380, 6154, 1535, respectively). Thirty-day mortality was 0.08%, 0.16%, and 0.2%, respectively; 30-day morbidity was 3.50%, 3.02%, and 4.04%, respectively. Mean LOS values were 1.1 ± 1.4, 1.1 ± 2.1, and 1.4 ± 3.1 days, respectively. Congestive heart failure, dependent functional status, dialysis dependence, and chronic corticosteroid use were significantly associated with increased LOS and postoperative AE.

CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity and mortality rates following thyroid and parathyroid surgery are low. These data could be used by third-party interests, and surgeons should be aware of them to ensure their outcomes are in the national norm.