Early postoperative morbidity after surgical treatment of thyroid carcinoma.

The long-term results after operations for malignant thyroid conditions are well known. Less well known are figures on early postoperative morbidity and mortality after resection of malignant thyroid lesions and data on patient satisfaction with the surgical incision. The data presented in this study show that postoperative mortality (0%) and morbidity (2% incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage; 13% temporary and 1% permanent hypocalcemia) rates are extremely low in this group of patients, who express a high degree of satisfaction with the cosmetic aspects of the operation.