Case cohort study of risk factors for post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage

Abstract Background Post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening complication of thyroid surgery. The goal of our study was to determine potential risk factors for development of post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage. Methods A retrospective case cohort study of patients with post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage between December 2008 and August 2014 was performed. This group of patients was compared with a stratified randomized control group, and several parameters were assessed for association with post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage. Results Sixteen patients were identified in this time period as developing post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage requiring reoperation. Postoperative hypertension, vomiting and/or straining, longer operative times, and extent of surgical dissection were found to be statistically significant risk factors. Postoperative hypertension was found to be the most significant risk factor, resulting in a 20.3 times increased likelihood of developing post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage. Conclusions A number of risk factors for post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage were identified. The most significant was postoperative hypertension. Early control of modifiable risk factors could improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.