Peng Ng1, Cheryl Ho1, Wee Boon Tan2, Kee Yuan Ngiam2, Chwee Ming Lim3, Kwok Seng Thomas Loh3, Min En Nga4, Rajeev Parameswaran2. 1. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. 2. Department of Endocrine Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore. 3. Department of Otolaryngology, National University Hospital, Singapore. 4. Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thyroxine replacement following a hemithyroidectomy is not commonly discussed during consent for the procedure as the risk of hypothyroidism is perceived to be low. METHODS: Retrospective review of 901 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy at a tertiary referral institution during the period January 2000 to December 2015. The main outcome studied was the overall incidence of hypothyroidism and the associated risk factors. RESULTS: Hypothyroidism developed in 123 (13%) patients and 94 patients (10%) required hormone supplementation over a mean follow up of 21 months (range 1-168 months). Preoperative TSH of more than 2.5 was seen in 38 of 123 (31%) of patients. Presence of diffuse thyroiditis was the only independent risk factor on multivariate analysis (P = 0.002) found to be associated with the development of hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: After thyroid lobectomy, approximately one in 10 patients requiring thyroid hormone treatment for hypothyroidism. Presence of diffuse thyroiditis is a significant risk factor for hypothyroidism.
BACKGROUND:Thyroxine replacement following a hemithyroidectomy is not commonly discussed during consent for the procedure as the risk of hypothyroidism is perceived to be low. METHODS: Retrospective review of 901 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy at a tertiary referral institution during the period January 2000 to December 2015. The main outcome studied was the overall incidence of hypothyroidism and the associated risk factors. RESULTS:Hypothyroidism developed in 123 (13%) patients and 94 patients (10%) required hormone supplementation over a mean follow up of 21 months (range 1-168 months). Preoperative TSH of more than 2.5 was seen in 38 of 123 (31%) of patients. Presence of diffuse thyroiditis was the only independent risk factor on multivariate analysis (P = 0.002) found to be associated with the development of hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: After thyroid lobectomy, approximately one in 10 patients requiring thyroid hormone treatment for hypothyroidism. Presence of diffuse thyroiditis is a significant risk factor for hypothyroidism.