Inhabitants of homeless shelters represent a particularly vulnerable population for both the development and poor prognosis of head and neck cancer. Members of urban church groups are also an at-risk subpopulation due to the prevalence of poor prognostic risk factors. These groups may benefit from future targeted screenings for head and neck cancer.
Objectives: Establish whether total thyroidectomy can be performed safely in the outpatient setting.Methods: This was a retrospective review of 410 total thyroidectomies performed by a single surgeon between 2009-2012. Of these, 241 were performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. Outcome measures included symptomatic hypocalcemia, readmission for hypocalcemia, true vocal cord paralysis/ paresis, hematoma, and overall readmission rate.Results: Of the total thyroidectomies performed by a singlesurgeon between 2009-2012, 241/410 (59%) were outpatient procedures. Symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred in 12/241 (4.9%) and readmission for hypocalcemia occurred in 4/241 (1.6%). True vocal cord paralysis was not observed, however 5/241 (2.1%) did have transient vocal cord weakness that resolved without further intervention. Hematoma requiring surgical intervention occurred in 2/241 (0.8%). Overall readmission rate was 5/241 (2.1%).Conclusions: Though traditionally an inpatient procedure; our experience indicates that outpatient thyroidectomy is a safe and reasonable option.
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