Nada Santrac

Complications in Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is the surgery of parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves. Surgeon is the most important prognostic factor for the complication rate. Possible complications of thyroid surgery are numerous, including bleeding, infection, hypoparathyroidism, recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injury, thoracic duct injury, as well as injury of the lateral neck nerves, arteries, and veins. Some complications are considered minor, but can reduce quality of life significantly. These include pain, paresthesia, seroma, poor scaring, granuloma, sinus (fistula), and wound dehiscence. Excellent knowledge of anatomic landmarks and meticulous surgical technique is a prerequisite for prevention of surgical complications. However, if complications occur, timely diagnosis and adequate treatment are mandatory, since some of them can be life threatening if not recognized on time.