An International Multi-Institutional Delphi Consensus Study on Post-Thyroidectomy Discharge Instructions: Are We Smarter than a 5th Grader?

Patient-Reported Dysphagia After Thyroidectomy

“…From the time of diagnosis, patients with thyroid cancer are bombarded w ith an over whelming amount of information. 9,21 More research is needed to determine the best way to introduce swallowing symptom management, so patients may process and use the information to their benefit. One option is to provide an informational handout about potential swallowing symptoms they may experience postoperatively along with helpful strategies (based on patient experiences) to combat these symptoms.…”

“…From the time of diagnosis, patients with thyroid cancer are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information . More research is needed to determine the best way to introduce swallowing symptom management, so patients may process and use the information to their benefit.…”

“…The primary treatment modality for thyroid cancer is total thyroidectomy . Swallowing complaints are common after surgery, but patients are generally counseled that symptoms should spontaneously resolve within the immediate 2-week postoperative period . Mechanistically, postoperative swallowing dysfunction can affect the oropharyngeal and pharyngoesophageal phases, often resulting in globus sensation, choking, psychological stress, and reduced quality of life …”

“…[4][5][6][7][8] Swallowing complaints are common after surgery, but patients are generally counseled that symptoms should spontaneously resolve within the immediate 2-week postoperative period. 9 Mechanistically, postoperative swallowing dysfunction can affect the oropharyngeal and pharyngoesophageal phases, 5,10 often resulting in globus sensation, choking, psychological stress, and reduced quality of life. 5,8,10,11 Informed consent prior to thyroidectomy tends to focus on cancer extirpation, surgical healing, and potential complications.…”