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.