Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the safety and effectiveness of thyroid surgery in children that was done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patients were able to go home the same day as their surgery. This is a shift from the past when these procedures would have required a hospital stay.

The study looked back at 55 thyroid surgeries that were performed on patients under the age of 18 between December 2015 and February 2019. The surgeries were performed for a variety of thyroid conditions, including Graves’ disease, thyroid cancer, and others.

All of the patients were able to go home within six hours after their surgery was finished. Some patients did experience temporary or permanent complications, such as changes in parathyroid hormone levels and hoarseness. But there were no unexpected hospital admissions or emergency department visits.

The conclusion of the study is that thyroid surgery can be done safely and effectively on an outpatient basis for children. This approach could be more cost-effective and less disruptive for families.

FAQs

  1. What types of thyroid conditions were the surgeries performed for in this study?
  2. Did any of the patients experience complications after their outpatient thyroid surgery?
  3. What are the potential benefits of performing thyroid surgery on an outpatient basis for children?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient undergoing thyroidectomy is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include taking prescribed medications, monitoring for any signs of infection, keeping the incision site clean and dry, and following up with the surgeon for any necessary follow-up appointments. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support overall recovery and thyroid function.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for thyroidectomy include those with:

  1. Thyroid nodules that are suspicious for cancer
  2. Thyroid cancer
  3. Graves’ disease that does not respond to other treatments
  4. Large goiters causing difficulty breathing or swallowing
  5. Hyperthyroidism that does not respond to medication
  6. Thyroid nodules causing hyperthyroidism
  7. Recurrent thyroid nodules
  8. Thyroid nodules causing compressive symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing

It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine if thyroidectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a thyroid condition, such as Graves’ disease or thyroid cancer
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and thyroid function tests
  • Patient may need to undergo medication adjustments or other pre-operative preparations
  • Patient discusses the procedure with their healthcare provider and receives information about the surgery, potential risks, and post-operative care

After thyroidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate complications
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, changes in voice, or difficulty swallowing
  • Patient is discharged within a few hours after surgery if there are no complications
  • Patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions, such as taking medication, monitoring for signs of infection, and attending follow-up appointments for thyroid function tests

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after thyroidectomy involves preparation, surgery, recovery, and follow-up care to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about thyroidectomy include:

  1. What are the reasons for recommending a thyroidectomy for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thyroid surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after a thyroidectomy?
  4. Will I need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication after the surgery?
  5. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to have any additional tests or imaging studies before the surgery?
  8. What is the experience of the surgical team in performing thyroidectomies, especially in children?
  9. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before the surgery?
  10. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dream S, Wang R, Lovell K, Iyer P, Chen H, Lindeman B. Journal: Am J Surg. 2020 Jun;219(6):890-893. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.03.025. Epub 2020 Apr 2. PMID: 32276716