Risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage in thyroid surgery

Post-thyroidectomy bleeding is rare but potentially life-threatening complication. The incidence of post thyroidectomy bleeding ranges from 0.43 to 4.2%. Despite developments in surgical techniques, postoperative bleeding is still the most serious complication in thyroid surgery because it represents an emergency condition, in most cases. A number of different risk factors have been reported in studies evaluating the occurrence of postoperative hematoma. Risk factors range from those related to patients' demographics, thyroid pathology, extent of resection, previous thyroid surgery, to those related to the presence of co-morbidities, or use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Postoperative hemorrhage is a rare event, therefore studying the risk factors associated with this complication is challenging. Risk factors for hematomas are still largely debatable considering that most of the studies were conducted in single centers. Early recognition and emergency intervention are essential in managing post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage. Therefore, it is especially important to identify risk factors, as well as the time frame for the occurrence of this complication.