[Is ambulatory endocrine neck surgery safe?]

Abstract

This retrospective observational study aimed to identify complications and re-admissions after unilateral exploration of the parathyroid, hemithyroidectomy or resection of the thyroid isthmus in patients that underwent ambulatory surgery at Karolinska University Hospital 2018-2019. The medical records of 280 patients were scrutinized by searching for re-admissions within 10 days or frequent contact with the healthcare provider within 30 days. 256 out of 280 patients underwent ambulatory surgery. 22 patients were converted to inpatient care, one because of postoperative bleeding. Five patients had a complication, one recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and four postoperative infections. One patient was readmitted within 10 days from surgery, not related to the surgery. Our study supports that with adequate selection of patients and postoperative monitoring, ambulatory endocrine neck surgery can be performed without jeopardizing patient safety.