Don't chase the adenoma: A probabilistic approach to imaging before parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative imaging before parathyroidectomy can localize adenomas and reduce unnecessary bilateral neck explorations. We hypothesized that (1) the utility of preoperative imaging varies substantially depending on the preoperative probability of having adenoma(s) and (2) that a selective imaging approach based on this probability could avoid unnecessary patient costs and radiation. METHODS: We analyzed 3,577 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism from 2001 to 2022. The predicted probability of patients having single or double adenoma versus hyperplasia was estimated using logistic regression. We then estimated the relationship between the predicted probability of single/double adenoma and the likelihood that sestamibi or 4-dimensional computed tomography was helpful for operative planning. Current Medicare costs and published data on radiation dosing were used to calculate costs and radiation exposure from non-helpful imaging. RESULTS: The mean age was 62 ± 13 years; 78% were women. Adenomas were associated with higher mean calcium (11.2 ± 0.74 mg/dL) and parathyroid hormone levels (140.6 ± 94 pg/mL) than hyperplasia (9.8 ± 0.52 mg/dL and 81.4 ± 66 pg/mL). The probability that imaging helped with operative planning increased from 12% to 65%, as the predicted probability of adenoma increased from 30% to 90%. For every 10,000 patients, a selective approach to imaging that considered the preoperative probability of having adenomas could save patients up to $3.4 million and >239,000 millisieverts of radiation. CONCLUSION: Rather than imaging all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, a selective strategy that considers the probability of having adenomas could reduce costs and avoid excess radiation exposure.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review Examining the Extent of Thyroidectomy.

Background: Total thyroidectomy (TT) and hemithyroidectomy (HT) are acceptable surgical options for the treatment of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). While previous data suggest similar disease-free and disease-specific survival regardless of initial surgical treatment, the effect of the extent of surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is less clear. This systematic review aimed to examine HRQOL in low-risk DTC survivors after TT compared with HT. Methods: A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies published between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2022, that assessed HRQOL predominantly in patients with low-risk DTC who underwent open thyroid surgery. Covidence™ software was used to apply the inclusion criteria, and a validated instrument was used to assess study quality. Results: Sixteen of the 1402 identified studies were included: 5 prospective and 11 retrospective cohort studies. The majority of included studies were of good quality (n = 14) and were from Asia and the Middle East (n = 11). Overall, six studies concluded that HT led to a better HRQOL than TT, two concluded that HT only resulted in better HRQOL compared with TT with central neck dissection (CND), and two concluded HT resulted in better short-term HRQOL that dissipated by 6 months postoperatively. The HRQOL domains found across all studies to be most consistently improved after HT included physical health, psychological/emotional, and social function. Factors found to be associated with HRQOL in more than one study included age, stage, and marital status. Conclusion: Differences in HRQOL after HT and TT tended to favor HT particularly when measured <6 months after surgery or when compared with TT with CND. Additional prospective and ideally randomized data are needed to fully determine the impact of the extent of surgery on HRQOL in patients with low-risk thyroid cancer.

Outcomes of Preoperative Medical Therapy for Thyroidectomy in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroidectomy provides definitive treatment for autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) often resulting in improved quality of life. Historically, patients with AITD undergoing thyroidectomy have increased rates of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. We investigated the outcomes of preoperative medications in patients with AITD undergoing thyroidectomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent thyroidectomy for AITD at a single institution from 2015 to 2021. Surgical outcomes and perioperative laboratory values were analyzed by type of AITD and type of preoperative medical treatment: none, saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI), corticosteroids, or both SSKI and corticosteroids. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients underwent thyroidectomy for AITD and were included in analysis: 50 received no preoperative medications, 40 received SSKI, 20 received corticosteroids, and 13 received both. Seventy-six patients had Graves' disease and 47 had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There were no significant differences in blood loss, operative time, wound complications, hematoma, or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury for patients treated with preoperative corticosteroids compared to those who were not. Patients who received corticosteroids and patients with Graves' disease more commonly had at least one instance of hypocalcemia postoperatively (P < 0.01, P = 0.01), although only on postoperative day 1 was mean calcium < 8.5 mg/dL. There was no difference in rate of transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received corticosteroids preoperatively had no increased risk of complications. They did have mildly lower calcium levels in the early postoperative period, although no difference in hypoparathyroidism. Further exploration is warranted to investigate the impact of preoperative corticosteroids on operative difficulty, quality of life, and autoantibody clearance.

Identifying Intraoperative Behaviors Associated With Surgical Resident Teachability.

OBJECTIVE: The resident-attending dyad influences the intraoperative training of surgery residents. To better understand the role of trainees within the dyad, we hypothesized there is a measurable concept of "teachability," a combination of the trainee's observed skills and behaviors with their performance. This study aims to define teachability and identify discrete intraoperative behaviors that contribute to this concept. We posit that residents who are active learners as demonstrated by asking questions, proposing next steps, and initiating purposeful actions have higher teachability. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Previously recorded videos from 26 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs performed by two PGY-5 general surgery residents at a Midwest tertiary care center were qualitatively reviewed for intraoperative behaviors. A summative content analysis identified behaviors associated with increased teachability and improved operative performance assessment scores. RESULTS: Average frequencies of intraoperative behaviors for resident 1 and 2 (R1 and R2) were not significantly different, although R2 asked more medical knowledge and technical questions. While the rate of attending feedback was similar for both residents (x=3.82 vs 3.40, p=0.646), R1 consistently incorporated feedback (x=2.27 vs 0.40, p=0.001) whereas R2 needed frequent prompting (x=2.45 vs 1.55, p=0.239). R1 scored higher in all but one operative performance assessment category, including overall performance (x=4.17 vs 2.93, p=0.007), but R2 had a larger magnitude of overall improvement (+1 vs +2). CONCLUSIONS: Teachability is a dynamic component of the resident-attending dyad. While intraoperative active learning behaviors do not appear to be associated with teachability, asking questions may increase the magnitude of improvement in performance. Most importantly, the ability to incorporate intraoperative feedback in real time seems to be a critical aspect of teachability and warrants further research.

Experiential Learning of Interdisciplinary Care Skills in Surgery Assessed From Student Reflections.

INTRODUCTION: Interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration improves patient outcomes, increases workplace satisfaction, and reduces costs. Our medical school utilizes an experiential learning tool for teaching interprofessionalism known as the Longitudinal Patient Project (LPP). Medical students are directed to identify a surgical patient to establish continuity with by observing them throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods, and follow-up with the patient after their procedure. Students then write reflections on their LPP experience. This study examines the LPP as an interprofessionalism teaching tool using qualitative analysis of student reflections. METHODS: NVivo 12 was used to code reflections. One researcher coded reflections for subject, depth, temporality, and confidence. Depth was assessed using Mezirow's Critical Reflection Theory, with students receiving titles of "content," "process," or "premise" reflectors based on the deepest level of reflection exhibited. Confidence was assessed by labeling reflective statements as "concrete" or "verbal." Data were coded by a second researcher for validation. Consensus was reached, the remainder of the dataset was updated to reflect codebook changes, and trends were assessed. RESULTS: Inter-rater agreement was 83%. All students achieved "content" level reflection. Ninety-seven percent of students reached "process" reflection. Ninety-three percent of students reached "premise" reflection. Students provided more concrete indicators of knowledge gained from the LPP than from prior experiences. Subjects included communication, team dynamics, patient impact, and student experience. Increased depth and breadth of reflection on communication and team dynamics were observed from the LPP. CONCLUSIONS: The LPP illustrates the importance of interdisciplinary care in surgery. Future iterations should emphasize the impact on patients and their families.

Enhancing Surgical Teaching Effectiveness: A Needs Assessment Study Using a Modified Delphi Process.

INTRODUCTION: As methods of measuring surgical resident competency become more defined, how can faculty know that they are effectively guiding residents toward increasing entrustment? The goal of this study was to use a systematic process to identify effective teaching behaviors, understand discrepancies between learner and teacher perception of behaviors, and provide an insight into areas for improvement in surgical teaching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified Delphi process was used to create a list of critical teaching behaviors for surgical resident education in four domains: Operating Room, Clinic, Inpatient Rounds, and Didactics. Round One surveyed residents and faculty to identify critical teaching behaviors. In Rounds Two and Three, stakeholders narrowed the list to five behaviors in each domain. A needs assessment survey was created and used to identify (1) areas for improvement in residency education and (2) differences in perception of teaching behavior use between faculty and residents. RESULTS: Eighty one faculty and 56 residents in the Department of Surgery completed the survey. All teaching behaviors in the Operating Room, Clinic, and Rounds domains had a significant difference in response distribution between residents and faculty. Except in Didactics, residents perceived that teaching behaviors were performed less often by attending surgeons than was reported by the faculty members. CONCLUSIONS: A modified Delphi process is an effective way to create a needs assessment survey relating to how surgical education is delivered. Future steps will involve directed interventions aimed at improving the use of certain surgical teaching behaviors in our department.

Surgery Acting Internship Individual Learning Plans: Fostering Mentorship in the COVID-19 Era.

OBJECTIVE: Mentorship facilitates successful matching for surgical specialties. A formal mentorship plan may counteract restricted mentorship opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: We surveyed medical students applying to surgery specialties who participated in our formalized mentorship program (MF) and those of a prior cohort who were informally mentored (MI). Epistemic Network Analysis was used to model qualitative responses. SETTING: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. PARTICIPANTS: Fourth-year medical students who matched into ACGME-accredited surgical specialties. RESULTS: MF students (n = 12) met with their mentors more frequently than MI students (n = 13; p = 0.03). Both groups received career guidance, letters of recommendation and application preparation. However, the MI cohort reported greater psychological and emotional support whereas the MF cohort reported more assistance with skills development. CONCLUSIONS: A formalized mentorship program fostered successful mentoring relationships despite limitations from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nerve monitoring decreases recurrent laryngeal nerve injury risk for neoplasm-related thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Conflicting reports exist regarding the benefit of intraoperative neuromonitoring (INM) for patients undergoing thyroidectomy. We hypothesized that in a national sample, the risk of mild and severe RLNi is decreased for patients undergoing neoplasm-related disease (NRD) thyroidectomy with INM compared to patients without INM. METHODS: The database was queried for patients that underwent total thyroidectomy for NRD with and without INM. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the associated odds of RLNi. RESULTS: From 6942 patients, 4269 (61.5%) had INM during thyroidectomy. Patients with INM had a similar rate of overall RLNi compared to patients without INM (5.7% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.118). After adjusting for covariates, INM was associated with decreased odds of severe-RLNi (OR 0.23, p = 0.036) but not mild-RLNi (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: INM is associated with a nearly 80% decreased associated odds of severe RLNi during thyroidectomy for NRD. Future prospective confirmation is needed, and if confirmed, patients undergoing thyroidectomy for NRD should have INM to reduce the risk of RLNi and its associated morbidity.

Evaluating Discrimination of ACS-NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator in Thyroidectomy Patients.

BACKGROUND: The ACS-NSQIP surgical risk calculator (SRC) often guides preoperative counseling, but the rarity of complications in certain populations causes class imbalance, complicating risk prediction. We aimed to compare the performance of the ACS-NSQIP SRC to other classical machine learning algorithms trained on NSQIP data, and to demonstrate challenges and strategies in predicting such rare events. METHODS: Data from the NSQIP thyroidectomy module ys 2016 - 2018 were used to train logistic regression, Ridge regression and Random Forest classifiers for predicting 2 different composite outcomes of surgical risk (systemic and thyroidectomy-specific). We implemented techniques to address imbalanced class sizes and reported the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) for each classifier including the ACS-NSQIP SRC, along with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) at a 5% - 15% predicted risk threshold. RESULTS: Of 18,078 included patients, 405 (2.24%) patients suffered systemic complications and 1670 (9.24%) thyroidectomy-specific complications. Logistic regression performed best for predicting systemic complication risk (AUC 0.723 [0.658 - 0.778]); Random Forest with RUSBoost performed best for predicting thyroidectomy-specific complication risk (0.702; 0.674 - 0.726). The addition of optimizations for class imbalance improved performance for all classifiers. CONCLUSIONS: Complications are rare after thyroidectomy even when considered as composite outcomes, and class imbalance poses a challenge in surgical risk prediction. Using the SRC as a classifier where intervention occurs above a certain validated threshold, rather than citing the numeric estimates of complication risk, should be considered in low-risk patients.

What Does Honors Mean? National Analysis of Medical School Clinical Clerkship Grading.

OBJECTIVE: Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) letters provide critical comparative information about clerkship performance, and are a crucial part of the surgical residency application. The elimination of USMLE Step 1 numeric reporting increases the importance of transparency, standardization, and accessibility of comparative information reported on the MSPE. The objective of our study was to measure the variability in clerkship grade reporting on the MSPE from US medical schools, particularly focusing on the highest (honors) grades. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We identified representative MSPE letters from US medical schools and recorded the percentage of honors for 5 core clerkships. We grouped medical schools according to medical school rankings, geographic region, and number of grading categories RESULTS: Of 122 medical schools, 106 schools (87%) reported their grading scheme and percent honors. The most commonly used grading scheme was a 4-tier system (51/122; 42%). The percentage of honors was highly variable (from 1-91%) and did not vary by region. However, schools in the top 20 research ranking were less likely to report grade comparisons (30% vs. 10%), and more likely to award more students honors in 4 of the 5 clerkships. Schools in the top 20 primary care ranking were more likely to award more honors in the medicine clerkship. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability in the number of grading tiers used and the percentage of students awarded honors across US medical schools. Factors that correlated to higher grades included schools with higher rankings, and higher ranked schools were less likely to report comparative information at all.

The effect of transparency on the gender-based compensation gap in surgical disciplines within a large academic healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Female representation in surgery and surgical subspecialties has increased over the last decade. Studies have shown a discrepancy in compensation in the field of surgery, and several groups have advocated for increasing transparency as a primary solution to decrease this gender salary gap in surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in compensation between genders in surgical specialties within a large academic healthcare system. METHODS: Using a public compensation database from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, this retrospective observational study analyzed salaries of full-time faculty surgeons within a large multi-institutional academic healthcare system. Surgeons included those who were employed for the entirety of 2016 and were full-time faculty who were then stratified according to surgical specialty and rank. The median base and median total salaries were compared between male and female surgeons with adjustment for rank and surgical specialty. RESULTS: There were 170 surgeons from eight surgical subspecialties included in the study with 29% being female (n = 50). Overall, unadjusted and adjusted median total salaries were significantly lower for female compared to male surgeons by $121,578 and $45,904, respectively. The three subspecialties with the highest compensation had a median total salary of $558,998 and had a high male to female ratio (3.7 male to 1 female), whereas the three subspecialties with the lowest compensation had a median total salary of $376,174 and had a male to female ratio of 1.5 male to 1 female. CONCLUSIONS: In a large academic healthcare system with transparent and publicly accessible salaries, the gender compensation gap in surgery persists. In conjunction with transparency, future academic institutions should consider a value-based, objective compensation plan with personal and systemic introspection of traditional gender biases, in efforts to circumvent the impact of gender on salary.

What is the experience of our patients with transient hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy?

BACKGROUND: We sought to better understand the experience of patients with transient hypoparathyroidism using patient interviews and quality of life surveys. METHODS: This is a prospective analysis of 62 patients after total thyroidectomy at a high-volume institution. Semistructured patient interviews and quality of life surveys were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year and compared based on postoperative parathyroid hormone levels. RESULTS: Postoperative parathyroid hormone levels were <10 pg/mL in 32% of patients (n = 20), 10 to 20 pg/mL in 19% (n = 12), and >20 pg/mL in 48% (n = 30). Hypocalcemic symptoms at 2 weeks were reported in 28 of 55 patients (51%), but patients felt "well prepared" and reported it "wasn't a big deal." If symptoms persisted at 6 weeks, they became more bothersome. At 6 months and 1 year, patients reported calcium supplementation prevented most symptoms and did not interfere with daily activities. Quality of life as measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the 12-Item Short Form Survey demonstrated a slight improvement at 1 year postoperatively regardless of parathyroid hormone level. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism is common but when appropriately managed did not have a substantial negative impact on the overall quality of life.

Surgical Trainees' Sense of Responsibility for Patient Outcomes: A Multi-institutional Appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Surgeon educators express concern about trainees' sense of patient ownership. We aimed to compare resident and faculty perceptions on residents' sense of personal responsibility for patient outcomes and to correlate patient ownership with resident and residency characteristics. METHODS: An anonymous electronic questionnaire surveyed 373 residents and 390 faculty at seven academic surgery residencies across the United States. We modified an established psychological ownership scale to measure patient ownership among surgical trainees. RESULTS: Respondents included 123 residents and 136 faculty (response rate 33% and 35%, respectively). Overall, 78.0% of faculty agreed that residents took personal responsibility for patient outcomes, but only 26.4% thought residents felt a similar or higher degree of patient ownership compared with themselves. Faculty underestimated the proportion of residents that routinely checked on their patients when off-duty (36.8 versus 92.6%, P < 0.001). Higher means on the patient ownership scale correlated with female sex (5.9 versus. 5.5 for males, P = 0.009), advanced post graduate year level (5.3, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 6.1, for post graduate year 1-5, respectively, P = 0.02), and the sense that patient outcomes affected the resident respondent's mood (5.8 versus 4.8 for those whose mood was not affected, P < 0.001). In addition, trainees who perceived better resident camaraderie (P = 0.004), faculty mentorship (P < 0.001), and that their program provided appropriate autonomy (P = 0.03) felt greater responsibility for patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most faculty agree that residents assume personal responsibility for patient outcomes, but many still underestimate residents' sense of patient ownership. Certain modifiable aspects of residency culture including camaraderie, mentorship, and autonomy are associated with patient ownership among trainees.

Energy vessel sealant devices are associated with decreased risk of neck hematoma after thyroid surgery.

Postoperative neck hematomas following thyroidectomy occur in up to 6.5% of cases. It is unclear whether the use of energy vessel sealant devices effects the rate of PNH. We hypothesized use of an EVSD to be associated with decreased risk of PNH in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The 2016-2017 American College of Surgeons Thyroidectomy database was queried for patients undergoing thyroidectomy with and without EVSDs. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate for risk of PNH. From 11,355 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, an EVSD was used for 7460 (65.7%) patients. Age distribution was similar between the two groups (52 vs. 53-years old, p = 0.467). Compared to patients without EVSD used, patients with EVSD used had higher rates of comorbid hypertension (40.6% vs. 34.8%, p < 0.001) and diabetes (14.2% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.001); however, a lower rate of PNH (1.4% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for known risk factors for PNH including age, prior neck surgery, and comorbidities, EVSD use was associated with a decreased risk of PNH (OR 0.453, 95% CI 0.330-0.620, p < 0.001). The strongest associated risk factors for PNH were hypertension (OR 1.823, 95% CI 1.283-2.591, p = 0.001) and toxic goiter (OR 1.837, 95% CI 1.144-2.949, p = 0.012). When compared to standard vessel ligation, EVSD use was associated with a lower risk of PNH in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The strongest associated risk factor for PNH was toxic goiter. Future prospective research is needed to confirm these findings and if corroborated, then increased use of an EVSD should be employed.

Obese trauma patients have increased need for dialysis.

PURPOSE: Obesity is a risk factor for the development of acute kidney injury but its effect on the need for dialysis in trauma has not been elucidated. Additionally, the contribution that obesity has towards risk of mortality in trauma is unclear. We hypothesized that patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) will have a higher risk for need of dialysis and mortality after trauma. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis using the National Trauma Data Bank. All patients ≥ 8 years old were grouped based on BMI: normal (18.5-24.99 kg/m2), obese (30-34.99 kg/m2), severely obese (35-39.99 kg/m2) and morbidly obese (≥ 40 kg/m2). The primary outcome was hemodialysis initiation. The secondary outcome was mortality during the index hospitalization. RESULTS: From 988,988 trauma patients, 571,507 (57.8%) had a normal BMI, 233,340 (23.6%) were obese, 94,708 (9.6%) were severely obese, and 89,433 (9.0%) were morbidly obese. The overall rate of hemodialysis was 0.3%. After adjusting for covariates, we found that obese (OR 1.36, CI 1.22-1.52, p < 0.001), severely obese (OR 1.89, CI 1.66-2.15, p < 0.001) and morbidly obese (OR 2.04, CI 1.82-2.29, p < 0.001) patients had a stepwise increased need for hemodialysis after trauma. Obese patients had decreased (OR 0.92, CI 0.88-0.95, p < 0.001), severely obese had similar (OR 1.02, CI 0.97-1.08, p = 0.50) and morbidly obese patients had increased (OR 1.06, CI 1.01-1.12, p = 0.011) risk of mortality after trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was associated with an increased risk for dialysis after trauma. Mortality risk was reduced in obese, similar in severely obese, and increased in morbidly obese trauma patients suggesting an inflection threshold BMI for risk of mortality in trauma.

Assessing American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Total Thyroidectomy in Graves' Disease.

BACKGROUND: The American Thyroid Association (ATA) issued specific preoperative preparatory guidelines for patients undergoing thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves' disease. Our goal is to determine if compliance with these guidelines is associated with better outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified 228 patients with Graves' disease who underwent total thyroidectomy between August 2007 and May 2015. Patients treated in compliance with ATA guidelines were compared with those not in full compliance with the current preparatory guidelines. RESULTS: At the time of surgery, 52% of all patients followed ATA guidelines. Patients who were prepped per ATA guidelines had fewer episodes of intraoperative tachycardia (0.3 versus 4.5, P = 0.04) but had no difference in peak systolic blood pressure or in number of episodes of systolic blood pressure > 180 mmHg. ATA prepped and nonprepped patients had similar mean operating room time and length of stay. ATA prepped and nonprepped patients had similar complication rates, including transient hypocalcemia (30.4% versus 25.5%, P = 0.45), prolonged hypoparathyroidism (0.98% versus 4.3%, P = 0.15), hoarse voice (10.8% versus 7.5%, P = 0.42), permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (2.9% versus 2.1%, P = 0.71), and hematoma (2.9% versus 0%, P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that compliance with ATA guidelines for thyroidectomy preparation is not essential for a successful surgical outcome. Although preparation per the guidelines decreased the frequency of intraoperative tachycardia, it did not impact intraoperative hypertension, operating room time, or postoperative complications.

Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules.

This is a brief overview of the initial workup of patients with thyroid nodules. Most nodules are incidentally discovered, benign, and do not require surgery, but the clinician's job is to determine which nodules are concerning and what the appropriate workup should be. Ultrasound examination is the best imaging modality to evaluation thyroid nodules and, when biopsy is indicated, fine needle aspiration is the proper technique to sample thyroid nodules.

Thyroid Trauma-A National Analysis of Incidence, Mortality, and Concomitant Injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injury to the thyroid is rare with no large national studies in the literature. We sought to describe the incidence of traumatic thyroid injury and to compare injury characteristics, operative interventions, and outcomes of isolated thyroid versus thyroid and concomitant neck injury. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2015) was used to identify patients with thyroid injury. Concomitant injury to surrounding neck structures included the trachea, esophagus, carotid arteries, cervical spine vertebrae, or vertebral arteries. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The incidence of thyroid injury was <0.1%. Of these, 59.7% of patients had isolated thyroid injury and 40.3% had thyroid and concomitant neck injury. Most patients in both groups had a penetrating mechanism (75.8% and 85.6%). Thyroid operative intervention was rare in both groups (isolated thyroid injury 19.3%, thyroid and concomitant neck injury 22.1%). Direct thyroid repair was the most common type of surgical intervention performed (isolated thyroid 13.1% versus thyroid and concomitant neck injury 15.1%; P = 0.280), whereas total thyroidectomy was only performed in a single patient. Mortality was decreased for patients with isolated thyroid injury compared with thyroid and concomitant neck injury (8.9% versus 19%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid injury in trauma patients is extremely rare and occurs more frequently with penetrating trauma. Isolated thyroid trauma is associated with a lower risk of mortality, compared to thyroid trauma with concomitant neck injury. Most thyroid injury is treated nonoperatively, and when operative intervention is required, direct thyroid repair is most commonly performed.

Blunt cerebrovascular injury incidence, stroke-rate, and mortality with the expanded Denver criteria.

BACKGROUND: Blunt carotid and vertebral artery injury, collectively termed blunt cerebrovascular injury occur in less than 1% of blunt traumas. Conventional indications for screening miss up to 20% of blunt cerebrovascular injuries. Therefore, the expanded Denver criteria were created in 2012. We hypothesized the introduction of the expanded Denver criteria would lead to an increase in the national detection of blunt cerebrovascular injury with a subsequent decrease in stroke rate. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for blunt trauma admissions. Patients were divided into 2 groups: pre-expanded Denver criteria (2007-2011) or post-expanded Denver criteria era (2013-2015). The primary endpoint was the incidence of blunt cerebrovascular injury, which was used as a surrogate for detection. RESULTS: There were 10,183 blunt cerebrovascular injuries with 5,364 blunt cerebrovascular injuries in the pre-expanded Denver criteria group (0.19%) and 4,819 blunt cerebrovascular injuries in the post-expanded Denver criteria group (0.22%; P < .001). The stroke-rate in the post-expanded Denver criteria was significantly higher (9.2% vs 5.5%; OR 2.73, CI 2.29-3.25, P < .001). The strongest associated injury with blunt cerebrovascular injury was skull-base fracture (OR 3.61, CI 3.46-3.77, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The detection of blunt cerebrovascular injury has increased by 16% since the publication of the expanded Denver criteria. Skull-base fracture is the strongest traumatic risk factor for blunt cerebrovascular injury. Although detection may have increased, the stroke-rate nearly doubled in the post-eDC era. This warrants future research.

Dr Google: The readability and accuracy of patient education websites for Graves' disease treatment.

BACKGROUND: National guidelines emphasize the importance of incorporating patient preferences into the recommendations for the treatment of Graves' disease. Many patients use the Internet to obtain health information, and search results can affect their treatment decisions. This study compares the readability and accuracy of patient-oriented online resources for the treatment of Graves' disease by website affiliation and treatment modality. METHODS: A systematic Internet search was used to identify the top websites discussing the treatment of Graves' disease. Readability was measured using 5 standardized tests. Accuracy was assessed by a blinded, expert panel, which scored the accuracy of sites on a scale of 1 to 5. Mean readability and accuracy scores were compared among website affiliations and treatment modalities. RESULTS: We identified 13 unique websites, including 2 academic, 2 government, 5 nonprofit, and 4 private sites. There was a difference in both readability (mean 13.2, range 9.1-15.7, P = .003) and accuracy (mean 4.04, range 2.75-4.50, P = .019) based on website affiliation. Government sites (mean readability 11.1) were easier to read than academic (14.3, P < .01), nonprofit (13.9, P < .01), and private sites (13.5, P < .05). Academic sites (mean accuracy 4.50) were more accurate than private sites (3.56, P < .05). CONCLUSION: Online patient resources for the treatment of Graves' disease are written at an inappropriately high reading level. Academic sites contain both the most accurate and the most difficult to read information. Private sites represented the majority of our top results but contained the least accurate information.