Our Summary

This research study looked at risk factors and negative outcomes within 30 days of children having thyroid surgery. Using data on pediatric patients who had different types of thyroid surgery from 2015-2016, they identified 720 cases. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 14.1 years, and there were more than three times as many girls as boys. After leaving the hospital, 10 patients had to be readmitted, and one had to have another operation to remove a blood clot from their neck. The length of time a child was under anesthesia significantly affected how long they stayed in the hospital. The study concluded that thyroid surgery in children generally has a low risk of complications in the 30 days following the operation. Further research is needed to understand more about the specific factors related to thyroid surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the average age of the pediatric patients who underwent thyroid surgery in this study?
  2. How did the length of time a child was under anesthesia affect their hospital stay?
  3. What were the most common complications within 30 days of children having thyroid surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

After a thyroidectomy, it is important to closely monitor your calcium levels and thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may recommend taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent hypocalcemia. It is also important to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your hormone levels and overall thyroid function. Additionally, be sure to communicate any changes in symptoms or concerns with your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thyroidectomy include:

  1. Patients with thyroid cancer: Thyroidectomy is often recommended for patients with thyroid cancer to remove the cancerous tissue and prevent the spread of the disease.

  2. Patients with benign thyroid nodules: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with large or symptomatic benign thyroid nodules that are causing difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking.

  3. Patients with hyperthyroidism: In some cases, thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with hyperthyroidism who do not respond to other treatments such as medication or radioactive iodine therapy.

  4. Patients with Graves’ disease: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with Graves’ disease who are unable to tolerate or do not respond to other treatment options.

  5. Patients with thyroid goiter: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with a large multinodular goiter that is causing compressive symptoms or is cosmetically bothersome.

  6. Patients with recurrent thyroid nodules: Thyroidectomy may be recommended for patients with recurrent thyroid nodules that continue to grow or cause symptoms despite previous treatments.

Overall, the decision to recommend thyroidectomy for a patient is based on their individual medical history, symptoms, and the specific characteristics of their thyroid condition. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of thyroidectomy with their healthcare provider before undergoing surgery.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  1. Consultation with an endocrinologist and/or surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative testing, including blood work, imaging studies, and possibly a fine needle biopsy of the thyroid gland.
  3. Education on what to expect during and after the surgery, including potential complications and how to manage them.
  4. Preparation for surgery, including fasting before the procedure and possibly taking medications to optimize thyroid function.

After thyroidectomy:

  1. Recovery in the hospital for a few days, with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  2. Gradual reintroduction of oral intake, starting with clear liquids and advancing to solid foods as tolerated.
  3. Monitoring for potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the parathyroid glands or recurrent laryngeal nerve.
  4. Discharge from the hospital with instructions on wound care, medication management, and follow-up appointments.
  5. Long-term management of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, if necessary, to maintain normal thyroid function.
  6. Monitoring for signs of hypoparathyroidism or vocal cord paralysis, which can occur as a result of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thyroidectomy in children?
  2. How long will the recovery process be for my child after thyroid surgery?
  3. Will my child need to take any medications or undergo any follow-up treatments after the surgery?
  4. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes my child should make following thyroidectomy?
  5. How often will my child need to have follow-up appointments to monitor their thyroid function?
  6. Are there any specific factors or conditions that could increase the risk of complications for my child during or after thyroid surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of thyroidectomy in children, and what factors contribute to a successful outcome?
  8. Will my child need to have any additional imaging tests or blood work done before or after the surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing thyroid surgery on children, and what is their success rate?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of or in addition to thyroidectomy for my child’s condition?

Reference

Authors: Patel VA, Khaku A, Carr MM. Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2020 Apr;129(4):326-332. doi: 10.1177/0003489419889069. Epub 2019 Nov 15. PMID: 31731877