Thyroidectomy in high body mass index patients: A single center experience

BackgroundTo identify the correlation between high body mass index (BMI ≥ 25) and the risk of postoperative complications of thyroidectomy.MethodsA comparative study between thyroidectomy performed in normal or overweigh-obese patients has been performed. Postoperative outcomes, including hypocalcemia, laryngeal nerve palsy, bleeding, operation time and hospital stay, were evaluated.ResultsA total of 266 patients underwent total thyroidectomy were included. Of them, 104 patients had a BMI below 25 and 162 patients had a BMI ≥ 25. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of early or permanent hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, bleeding complications, or postoperative duration of hospital stay. There was, however, a higher operative time in patients with a BMI ≥ 25.ConclusionDespite the longer operative time, thyroidectomy can be performed safely in patients with a BMI ≥ 25.