COMPLICATIONS OF THYROID SURGERY*

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Abstract
The mortality rate in the past 10 years in 9000 thyroidectomies at the Mayo Clinic was 0.1%. The complications are reviewed for the year 1954, during which time 1021 thyroidectomies were done. The incidence of unintentional paralysis of the vocal cords was 1.3%. Tetany, which was not anticipated, occurred in only 0.2% of patients undergoing primary thyroid operation for benign goiter. Myxedema occurred postoperatively in at least 30% of the patients with thyroiditis. Hemorrhage in 2 patients, toxic psychosis in one, obstruction of the airway in two, and cardiac arrest in one were the only other significant complications. Fifteen tracheotomies were established prophylactically or as emergency procedures to alleviate airway problems.

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