Hypothyroidism after total laryngectomy or laryngopharyngectomy combined with hemithyroidectomy

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the risk factor of hypothyroidism after total laryngectomy (TL) and total pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL) combined with hemithyroidectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of patients treated at our institution between 2002 and 2014 and identified 98 patients treated with TL or TPL combined with hemithyroidectomy. Forty-one patients developed hypothyroidism after surgery. Radiotherapy was a significant risk factor for postoperative hypothyroidism. In conclusion, hypothyroidism is a frequent complication in patients treated with radiotherapy and TL and TPL. We should follow up laboratory data of those patients closely.