HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at London, UK or Virtually from your home or work.

6th Edition of Global Conference on Surgery and Anaesthesia

September 15-17, 2025 | Hybrid Event

September 15 -17, 2025 | London, UK
GCSA 2025

Evaluating thyroidectomies performed at a single NHS trust; outcomes and considerations

Divine Adegbie, Speaker at Surgery Conferences
Royal Stoke University Hospital, United Kingdom
Title : Evaluating thyroidectomies performed at a single NHS trust; outcomes and considerations

Abstract:

Background: Around 22,000 thyroidectomies are performed annually in England. Common indications include FNA result (38%), compressive symptoms (24%) and thyrotoxicosis (19%). Recognised complications include pain, bleeding (re-operation), infection, vocal cord palsy (VCP) and voice change, and long-term calcium replacement.

Aim: To compare the outcomes of thyroidectomies performed within a single centre against the BAETS guidelines.

Method: A retrospective case note review of all thyroid surgeries performed by ENT surgeons within a single centre between 01/01/23 and 31/12/23 was performed.

Results: 62 thyroid surgeries were performed on 49 women and 8 men. 89% of the cases were primary surgeries. Commonest indications were compressive symptoms (35%) and FNA result (31%). Pre and post-operative laryngoscopy was performed in 71% and 89% of cases respectively,  Adjusted calcium was checked within 12 hours post-operatively in 100% of total and completion thyroidectomies and in 12 patients post-hemithyroidectomy. Post-operative bleeding requiring re-operation occurred in 1.8% and post-operative wound infection in 5.3%. Long-term calcium supplementation was required in 3 patients, 4.8%. Post-operative VCP occurred in 1 patient at 12 months follow-up.

Conclusions: Comparatively, peri-operative laryngoscopy was above the national standard, however post-operative VCP at 12 months was below and long-term hypocalcaemia was higher (4.8% c.f 3.7%). Notwithstanding a smaller data set, valuable learning points remain:

All patients should have peri-operative laryngoscopy recorded as VCP may occur in 2.4% of patients pre-operatively and 2.7% post-operatively. Education on avoidance of unnecessary investigation post-hemithyroidectomy may improve patient experience. Implementation of a pre-operative vitamin-D check and post-operative 6-week thyroid function check may improve clinical management and outcomes.

Biography:

Divine Adegbie is a core surgical doctor (ENT theme) within the NHS, graduated from University College London Medical School with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree and an intercalated Bachelor of Science degree in Anatomy. She has received several awards during her medical journey in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills, including a Dean’s merit award for academic excellence, HSBC’s Future Leader award, The Akindolie Medical Scholarship, and she was shortlisted as a Rising Star in Healthcare. She is dedicated to teaching and has taught at almost every stage of her career so far with a desire to make the Medicine pathway simpler and more accessible to all. Passionate about research, she has undertaken research in a wide range of topics from stem cell research to Cardiology, Surgery, and Education, and has been able to publish in reputable journals and present her research at national and international conferences. She is actively engaged with her community, having led community initiatives for young girls and young people.

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