Thyroid function post laryngectomy and hemithyroidectomy - do all laryngectomy patients need thyroid replacement?

Hypothyroidism is a common complication following laryngectomy with hemithyroidectomy, with a varying incidence between 44-89% amongst this group of patients 1-7 . It is often underrecognized due to the insidious onset of thyroid dysfunction and relatively non-specific nature of hypothyroid symptoms. Hypothyroidism may be detrimental to wound healing and be associated with an increased risk of fistula formation, particularly in salvage cases 4,6.