Outcomes in thyroid surgery are affected by racial, economic, and healthcare system demographics

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: Disparities in economic and social parameters have been identified as underlying factors that influence diseases outcomes. We aim to examine the influence of community-specific measures on outcomes related to thyroid surgery. Study Design: A cross-sectional study utilizing the State Inpatient databases and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services databases, 2010 to 2011. Those databases were merged with the County Health Ranking database. Methods: The study population included adult (≥18 years) inpatients and outpatients who underwent thyroidectomy. Access and outcomes of thyroidectomy was assessed in relation to demographics and health-risk status of the patient's community. Results: A total of 14,220 inpatient and 7,215 outpatient thyroidectomies were included. Low-volume surgeons were more likely to operate on patients living in high-risk communities (P $34,535.55) compared to low-health-risk communities (P