Chronic Fatigue After Thyroidectomy: A Patient-Centered Survey

Abstract

Background: Fatigue after thyroidectomy is common, but there is a paucity of data regarding its prevalence and duration. We hypothesized that total thyroidectomy (TT) patients would have more long-term fatigue than thyroid lobectomy (TL) patients. Methods: Statewide survey of thyroidectomy patients (2004-2017) was carried out. Results: 281 patients completed the survey. 216 respondents (77%) had TT and 65 (23%) had TL. Within one year of surgery, 172 (61%) respondents recalled being troubled by new fatigue all, most, or some of the time. Total thyroidectomy patients were more likely to report new fatigue (69% vs. 44%, aOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.44 to 5.18). Of patients (n = 172) reporting new fatigue, 67 (39%) reported at least moderate improvement. Nineteen (28%) saw improvement within 1 year, 35 (52%) saw improvement in 1-2 years, and 11 (16%) saw improvement after 2 years. Conclusion: Long-term fatigue after TT can be debilitating, long-lasting, and less prevalent after TL.