Four-Year Experience of Day Case Hemithyroidectomy: Patient-Reported Outcomes

Objectives:Assess the safety, patient satisfaction, and outcome of day case hemithyroidectomy in our department.Methods:A prospective audit of all patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy in a single institution over a 3-year period. All patients who undergo a hemithryoidectomy in our department have a bilateral superficial cervical block using 20 mL of 0.25% chirocaine, 10 mL of xylocaine with 1% adrenaline, and minimal opioid use. Bipolar dissection is used with meticulous hemostasis to avoid the use of a drain. All patients are reviewed 1 week postoperatively, and patient satisfaction questionnaires are completed.Results:One hundred fifty patients had a hemithyroidectomy over the 4-year period. Average age was 49 years (21-77). Male to female ratio was 3.9:1. Average length of stay was 0.47 days (0-6). Eighty-one percent of patients had their operation performed as a day case. The main reasons for patients not having surgery performed as a day case were patient choice, social reasons, and medical complica...