Outcomes of Early Versus Delayed Completion Thyroidectomy for Malignancy

Abstract

Purpose To determine whether time interval between hemi-thyroidectomy and subsequent completion thyroidectomy impacts outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of 68 patients having completion thyroidectomy from August 2012 to December 2019. Patients were separated into two groups based on the time interval between surgeries: early (≤10 days) or delayed (≥90 days). Results Patients who underwent delayed completion thyroidectomy (n = 17) had significantly higher rates of hypocalcemia and/or hypoparathyroidism ( P = .03) and higher rates of requiring postoperative hospitalization ( P=.07) compared to those who underwent early completion thyroidectomy (n = 51). Delayed completion had significantly lower risk of developing one or more of dysphonia, dysphagia, or vocal cord paresis postoperatively ( P=.02). No patients developed hematoma or wound infection. Conclusions Delayed completion thyroidectomy is associated with increased rates of hypocalcemia, but lower rates of dysphonia and dysphagia. Given the low risk of long-term complications in both groups, it may be beneficial to perform completion thyroidectomy early in order to expedite cancer treatment.