Life-threatening neck hematoma complicating thyroid and parathyroid surgery

Background Observation following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy has been progressively shortened. The challenge has been to reduce the duration of postoperative observation without jeopardizing patient safety. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent thyroidectomy and/or parathyroidectomy between July 1990 and March 2007 was completed to determine the frequency of life-threatening hematoma and hospital readmission and their impact on postoperative observation. Results Of 1,050 patients, life-threatening hematoma developed in 6 (.6%) patients, 5 following bilateral and 1 following unilateral thyroidectomy. Hematoma developed 10 minutes to 7 days postoperatively, four within 4 hours, one at 21 hours, and one at 7 days. Twelve patients were readmitted an average of 5 days postoperatively for hypocalcemia, hematoma, infection, or respiratory distress. Conclusion Without factors contributing to bleeding, unilateral thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy can be performed as an ambulatory procedure. To maximize safety, we recommend 4-hour and 23-hour observation following unilateral and bilateral thyroidectomy, respectively.