Evaluation of Postoperative Bleeding After Thyroid Surgery

Abstract

Postoperative bleeding after thyroid surgery is a life-threatening complication. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for postoperative bleeding. The medical records of 323 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 2012 and 2019 at our hospital were reviewed. Bleeding occurred in 11 of the 323 patients (3.4%). Our analysis revealed no associations of the age, sex, tumor characteristics, or operative factors with the risk of postoperative bleeding. Most patients had symptoms/signs of bleeding, such as cervical swelling, pain/tenderness, and respiratory disturbance. In 5 of the 11 patients who developed postoperative bleeding, the aforementioned symptoms/signs were detected by the attending nurse. Careful observation for up to 24 hours is recommended for early detection of the signs/symptoms of bleeding in patients undergoing thyroid surgery, not only by the surgeon, but also the rest of the care team, including other doctors and nurses attending on the patient.