Abstract
Background: We investigated the incidence and impact of postoperative complications in children who underwent total thyroidectomy (TTx). Methods: The records of all pediatric patients undergoing TTx (2001-2011) at our institution were retrospectively reviewed for the occurrence of biochemical hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone >10 mIU/mL), laboratory assessments, and medication nonadherence. Results: The 74 patients (median age, 12.5 years) had thyroid cancer (differentiated, n = 39; medullary, n = 16) or benign pathology (n = 19; 16 with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A). The median postoperative follow-up was 3.2 years; 46 patients (62%) had ≥1 year follow-up. Forty-one percent had ≥1 period of medication nonadherence; this was not associated with age at TTx (P =.30). Non-treatment-related hypothyroidism occurred in 33% of patients during postoperative year (POY) 1. The number of POY1 laboratory assessments among the 30% of patients with parathyroid dysfunction was more than twice that among patients with normal parathyroid function (median assessments per year 8 vs 3; P <.0001). Forty-four percent of patients/families reported behavioral or physiologic changes; 40% were concomitant with abnormal thyroid function. Conclusion: More than 40% of pediatric patients were unable to fully adhere to postoperative medication regimens, and non-treatment-related hypothyroidism was common. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism doubled the number of laboratory assessments obtained. These data may help families better prepare for TTx sequelae.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1165-1171 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Surgery (United States) |
Volume | 152 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2012 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
MD Anderson CCSG core facilities
- Biostatistics Resource Group