Thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a systematic review.

PURPOSE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective thyroid surgery is experiencing delays. The problem is that the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. The research purposes were to systematically collect the literature data on the characteristics of those thyroid operations performed and to assess the safety/risks associated with thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We used all the procedures consistent with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus was made using ''Thyroid'' and "coronavirus" as search terms. RESULTS: Of a total of 293 articles identified, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients undergoing thyroid surgery was 2217. The indication for surgery was malignancy in 1347 cases (60.8%). Screening protocols varied depending on hospital protocol and maximum levels of personal protection equipment were adopted. The hospital length of stay was 2-3 days. Total thyroidectomy was chosen for 1557 patients (1557/1868, 83.4%), of which 596 procedures (596/1558, 38.3%) were combined with lymph node dissections. Cross-infections were registered in 14 cases (14/721, 1.9%), of which three (3/721, 0.4%) with severe pulmonary complications of COVID-19. 377 patients (377/1868, 20.2%) had complications after surgery, of which 285 (285/377, 75.6%) hypoparathyroidism and 71 (71/377, 18.8%) recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. CONCLUSION: The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission after thyroid surgery is relatively low. Our study could promote the restart of planned thyroid surgery due to COVID-19. Future studies are warranted to obtain more solid data about the risk of complications after thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 era.

Short-term Outcomes of Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Compared With Thoracoscopic or Transthoracic Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is no study comparing open esophagectomy (OE), video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) in a single institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 272 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy divided into three groups: OE (n=110), VATS (n=127), and RAMIE (n=35) groups. Moreover, short-term outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Overall complications (CD≥II) were significantly less in the RAMIE than the OE and VATS groups. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (CD≥II) was significantly lower in the RAMIE than the OE group (p=0.026) and tended to be lower than that in the VATS group (p=0.059). The RAMIE group had significantly less atelectasis (CD≥I and II), pleural effusion (CD≥I and II), arrhythmia (CD≥II), and dysphagia (CD≥II), than both the OE and VATS groups. CONCLUSION: RAMIE reduced overall postoperative complications after esophagectomy compared with both OE and VATS.

Treatment of patients with Graves' disease and the appropriate extent of thyroidectomy.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by thyroid stimulating auto-antibodies directed against the thyrotropin receptor on thyroid follicular cells. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is associated with cardiovascular, ophthalmologic and other systemic manifestations. Three treatment options are available for Graves' disease: anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy. While thyroidectomy is the least common option used for treatment of Graves' disease, it is preferentially indicated for patients with a large goiter causing compressive symptoms, suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules or significant ophthalmopathy. The best operation for Graves' disease has been a matter of debate. The standard operation was a subtotal thyroidectomy for much of the twentieth century, however, over the past 20 years total thyroidectomy has been increasingly performed. Herein, we provide a historical perspective and review the current literature, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses and conclude that total thyroidectomy is the preferred option for the surgical treatment of Graves' disease, with a nearly 0% recurrence rate, predictable postoperative hypothyroidism and a low complication rate comparable to subtotal thyroidectomy when performed by high-volume thyroid surgeons.

Impact of surgical volume and surgical outcome assessing registers on the quality of thyroid surgery.

The available evidence concerning the relationship between volume and outcome for thyroid surgery is assessed in this article. Morbidity forms the principal surrogate marker of thyroid surgery quality for which postoperative hypocalcaemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries are most commonly reported upon. Whilst there is an abundance of published data for these outcomes, interpretation to recommend annual volume thresholds is challenging. This is due to a lack of consensus on definitions not only for outcomes but high and low volume surgeons. The evidence reviewed in this article supports the notion that high volume surgeons achieve superior outcomes in thyroid surgery quality though it is not possible to recommend minimal annual volumes on the basis of this evidence alone. Every thyroid surgeon should know their own outcomes and how they compare with their peers and engagement in thyroid surgery registries can facilitate this.

Surgical management of the compromised recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid cancer.

Surgical management of thyroid cancer requires careful consideration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and its impact on glottic function. Management of the compromised recurrent laryngeal nerve is a complex task, requiring synthesis of multiple elements. The surgeon must have an appreciation for preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve function, intraoperative anatomic and electromyographic information, disease characteristics, and relevant patient factors. Preoperative clinical evaluation including preoperative laryngoscopy and assessment of recurrent laryngeal nerve risk is essential to formulating a surgical plan and providing appropriate patient counseling. Intraoperative neuromonitoring information has significant implications for surgical management of the injured or invaded recurrent laryngeal nerve and informs strategy with respect to staging of bilateral surgery. Disease characteristics and patient-related factors, including patient preference, must be considered with intraoperative decision-making. Multidisciplinary discussion and patient communication are essential for effective management and successful surgical outcome.

Laryngeal and vocal alterations after thyroidectomy / Alterações laríngeas e vocais após tireoidectomia

Abstract Introduction: Dysphonia is a common symptom after thyroidectomy. Objective: To analyze the vocal symptoms, auditory-perceptual and acoustic vocal, videolaryngoscopy, the surgical procedures and histopathological findings in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods: Prospective study. Patients submitted to thyroidectomy were evaluated as follows: anamnesis, laryngoscopy, and acoustic vocal assessments. Moments: pre-operative, 1st post (15 days), 2nd post (1 month), 3rd post (3 months), and 4th post (6 months). Results: Among the 151 patients (130 women; 21 men). Type of surgery: lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 40, total thyroidectomy n = 88, thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 23. Vocal symptoms were reported by 42 patients in the 1st post (27.8%) decreasing to 7.2% after 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased in women. Videolaryngoscopies showed that 144 patients (95.3%) had normal exams in the preoperative moment. Vocal fold palsies were diagnosed in 34 paralyzes at the 1st post, 32 recurrent laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 6; total thyroidectomy n = 17; thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 9) and 2 superior laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 1; Total thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 1). After 6 months, 10 patients persisted with paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (6.6%). Histopathology and correlation with vocal fold palsy: colloid nodular goiter (n = 76; palsy n = 13), thyroiditis (n = 8; palsy n = 0), and carcinoma (n = 67; palsy n = 21). Conclusion: Vocal symptoms, reported by 27.8% of the patients on the 1st post decreased to 7% in 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased. Transient paralysis of the vocal folds secondary to recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injury occurred in, respectively, 21% and 1.3% of the patients, decreasing to 6.6% and 0% after 6 months.

Resumo Introdução: A disfonia é um sintoma comum após a tireoidectomia. Objetivo: Analisar os sintomas vocais, auditivo-perceptivos e acústica vocal, videolaringoscopia, procedimento cirúrgico e achados histopatológicos em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia. Método: Estudo prospectivo. Pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia foram avaliados da seguinte forma: anamnese, laringoscopia e avaliações vocais acústicas. Momentos: pré-operatório, 1ª avaliação pós (15 dias), 2ª avaliação pós (1 mês), 3ª avaliação pós (3 meses) e 4ª avaliação pós-operatória (6 meses). Resultados: Dos 151 pacientes, 130 eram mulheres e 21, homens. Tipos de cirurgia: lobectomia + istmectomia n = 40, tireoidectomia total n = 88, tireoidectomia + dissecção de linfonodo n = 23. Sintomas vocais foram relatados por 42 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória (27,8%), reduzidos para 7,2% após 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ estavam diminuídos nas mulheres. As videolaringoscopias mostraram que 144 pacientes (95,3%) tiveram exames normais no momento pré-operatório. Paralisia das cordas vocais foi diagnosticada em 34 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, 32 do nervo laríngeo recorrente (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 6; tireoidectomia total - n = 17; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 9) e 2 do nervo laríngeo superior (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 1; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 1). Após 6 meses, 10 pacientes persistiram com paralisia do nervo laríngeo recorrente (6,6%). Histopatologia e correlação com paralisia das cordas vocais: bócio coloide nodular (n = 76; paralisia n = 13), tireoidite (n = 8; paralisia n = 0) e carcinoma (n = 67; paralisia n = 21). Conclusão: Os sintomas vocais, relatados por 27,8% dos pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, diminuíram para 7% em 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ diminuíram. A paralisia transitória de cordas vocais secundária à lesão do nervo laríngeo recorrente e nervo laríngeo superior ocorreu, respectivamente, em 21% e 1,3% dos pacientes, reduziu-se para 6,6% e 0% após 6 meses.

Laryngeal and vocal alterations after thyroidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Dysphonia is a common symptom after thyroidectomy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the vocal symptoms, auditory-perceptual and acoustic vocal, videolaryngoscopy, the surgical procedures and histopathological findings in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. METHODS: Prospective study. Patients submitted to thyroidectomy were evaluated as follows: anamnesis, laryngoscopy, and acoustic vocal assessments. Moments: pre-operative, 1st post (15 days), 2nd post (1 month), 3rd post (3 months), and 4th post (6 months). RESULTS: Among the 151 patients (130 women; 21 men). Type of surgery: lobectomy+isthmectomy n=40, total thyroidectomy n=88, thyroidectomy+lymph node dissection n=23. Vocal symptoms were reported by 42 patients in the 1st post (27.8%) decreasing to 7.2% after 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased in women. Videolaryngoscopies showed that 144 patients (95.3%) had normal exams in the preoperative moment. Vocal fold palsies were diagnosed in 34 paralyzes at the 1st post, 32 recurrent laryngeal nerve (lobectomy+isthmectomy n=6; total thyroidectomy n=17; thyroidectomy+lymph node dissection n=9) and 2 superior laryngeal nerve (lobectomy+isthmectomy n=1; Total thyroidectomy+lymph node dissection n=1). After 6 months, 10 patients persisted with paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (6.6%). Histopathology and correlation with vocal fold palsy: colloid nodular goiter (n=76; palsy n=13), thyroiditis (n=8; palsy n=0), and carcinoma (n=67; palsy n=21). CONCLUSION: Vocal symptoms, reported by 27.8% of the patients on the 1st post decreased to 7% in 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased. Transient paralysis of the vocal folds secondary to recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injury occurred in, respectively, 21% and 1.3% of the patients, decreasing to 6.6% and 0% after 6 months.

Clinical effect of total thyroidectomy combined with radioactive iodine in thyroid cancer treatment.

Aim of this research work is to observe and analyze the clinical effect of total thyroidectomy combined with radioactive iodine in thyroid cancer treatment. The 120 thyroid cancer patients treated in our hospital were enrolled as study subjects and assigned to study group (treated with total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine) and reference group (treated with conventional total thyroidectomy). The overall treatment efficacy was compared between the two groups. Comparison of overall treatment efficacy of the two groups showed that the study group has superior results to the reference group (P<0.05). Comparison of incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in the two groups revealed no significant differences, P>0.05. However, in life quality assessment, the study group was significantly superior to the reference group in terms of physiological function, psychological function, social function, and overall life quality scores, P<0.05. Total thyroidectomy combined with radioactive iodine can well improve the overall treatment efficiency and enable patients to have higher quality of life at the same time.

Is the superior laryngeal nerve really safe when using harmonic focus in total thyroidectomy? A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Harmonic focus (HF) was introduced in thyroid surgery in an effort to reduce operation time and complications. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare function of superior laryngeal nerve and incidence of other postoperative complications in total thyroidectomies using HF and conventional ligation (CL). METHODS: The trial is a randomized single-center, single-blinded study. Patients aged ≥ 18 years scheduled for total thyroidectomy were considered for participation. An ultrasonic dissector was used for coagulation and cutting in the HF group, while the standard technique was used in the CL group. Demographic, surgical data, and complications were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: Of 244 eligible patients, data of 206 patients who completed the study were analyzed. The groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and indication for operation. The mean operative time in the HF group was significantly shorter than that in CL group (p=0.01). Drain necessity, duration of drainage, duration of postoperative hospitalization, and the incidence of postoperative complications was similar in the groups (p>0.05). The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were noted in three and two patients in the HF group and in two and one patients in the CL group at 6 months. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing conventional technique with HF in total thyroidectomy, focusing on the function of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve using laryngostroboscopy; results showed that HF is as safe as the conventional technique.

Pharyngolaryngeal symptoms associated with thyroid disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current review summarizes previous reports on laryngopharyngeal symptoms associated with thyroid disease. This review also includes pharyngolaryngeal symptoms caused by thyroidectomy. However, we focus on pharyngolaryngeal symptoms following uncomplicated thyroidectomy, as this is an important issue in the fields of otolaryngology. RECENT FINDINGS: An enlarged thyroid gland, as in thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, or large nodules, can cause compressive symptoms. Malignant nodules invading the recurrent laryngeal nerve and benign nodules compressing the nerve can cause vocal cord paralysis and hoarseness. Pharyngolaryngeal symptoms are known to develop after a thyroidectomy, generally as a result of injury to the superior or recurrent laryngeal nerve. However, recent studies have shown that various pharyngolaryngeal symptoms, such as globus symptoms and voice changes, occur after thyroidectomy in the absence of laryngeal nerve injury. These symptoms are known collectively as postthyroidectomy syndrome. Several possible explanations have been proposed and evaluated for postthyroidectomy syndrome. SUMMARY: Several thyroid disorders can cause compressive symptoms and hoarseness. Superior and/or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroidectomy is the main cause of various pharyngolaryngeal symptoms. However, other pharyngolaryngeal symptoms that arise following thyroidectomy in the absence of nerve injury, a condition known as postthyroidectomy syndrome, are becoming more common.

The evaluation of the complications observed in patients with bilateral total and bilateral near total thyroidectomy.

AIM: The objective was to compare the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injuries in patients with bilateral total thyroidectomy (BTT) and bilateral near total thyroidectomy (BNTT) with the frequency of the hypocalcemic complications regarding the operation procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients, who underwent BTT and BNTT in our clinic between January 1999 and January 2011, were included in this retrospective clinical study. Patients' files are evaluated. Demographic information, pre-operative complete blood cell count and biochemical analysis, thyroid function tests, ultrasonographic results, results of the fine needle aspiration biopsy, implemented operative procedures (BTT or BNTT), vocal cord investigation, post-operative calcium levels, postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: In 328 of 408 (80.4%) patients BTT was the preferred method and 80 underwent BNTT (19.6 %). Postoperative hypocalcemia was observed in 59 patients in the BTT group (17.9 %) and in 11 patients in the BNTT group (13.7 %) . Hypocalcemia persisted in 8 patients in BTT group (2.4 %) and in 6 patients in BNTT group (7.5%). Unilateral RLN paralysis was observed in 22 patients in BTT group (6.7 %) and in 13 patients in the BNTT group (16.2 %). CONCLUSION: In this study, the likelihood of the temporary RLN paralysis and permanent hypoparathyroidism is found to be higher in the patients with BNTT compared to the patients with BTT. BNTT may be the preferred choice of treatment in suitable patients. KEY WORDS: Complication, Hypocalcemia, Nervus laryngealis recurrens, Nervus laryngealis superior, Thyroidectomy.

Comparative Effectiveness of Treatment Choices for Graves' Hyperthyroidism: A Historical Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The optimum therapy for Graves' disease (GD) is chosen following discussion between physician and patient regarding benefits, drawbacks, potential side effects, and logistics of the various treatment options, and it takes into account patient values and preferences. This cohort study aimed to provide useful information for this discussion regarding the usage, efficacy, and adverse-effect profile of radioactive iodine (RAI), antithyroid drugs (ATDs), and thyroidectomy in a tertiary healthcare facility. METHODS: The cohort included consecutive adults diagnosed with GD from January 2002 to December 2008, who had complete follow-up after treatment at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Data on treatment modalities, disease relapses, and adverse effects were extracted manually and electronically from the electronic medical records. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to evaluate the association of treatments with relapse-free survival. RESULTS: The cohort included 720 patients with a mean age of 49.3 years followed for a mean of 3.3 years. Of these, 76.7% were women and 17.1% were smokers. The initial therapy was RAI in 75.4%, ATDs in 16.4%, and thyroidectomy in 2.6%, while 5.6% opted for observation. For the duration of follow-up, ATDs had an overall failure rate of 48.3% compared with 8% for RAI (hazard ratio = 7.6; p < 0.0001). Surgery had a 100% success rate; 80% of observed patients ultimately required therapy. Adverse effects developed in 43 (17.3%) patients treated with ATDs, most commonly dysgeusia (4.4%), rash (2.8%), nausea/gastric distress (2.4%), pruritus (1.6%), and urticaria (1.2%). Eight patients treated with RAI experienced radiation thyroiditis (1.2%). Thyroidectomy resulted in one (2.9%) hematoma and one (2.85%) superior laryngeal nerve damage, with no permanent hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: RAI was the most commonly used modality within the cohort and demonstrated the best efficacy and safety profile. Surgery was also very effective and relatively safe in the hands of experienced surgeons. While ATDs allow preservation of thyroid function, a high relapse rate combined with a significant adverse-effect profile was documented. These data can inform discussion between physician and patient regarding choice of therapy for GD.

EBSLN and Factors Influencing its Identification and its Safety in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy: A Study of 456 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) is at surgical risk during superior thyroid pole ligation during thyroidectomy. Majority of studies have addressed the identification of these nerves and its reported incidence. Very few studies have addressed the relationship of these nerves with the volume of the thyroid gland and presence of toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 456 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were analysed from the prospectively maintained database. The EBSLN was diligently identified and preserved before individual ligation of the superior thyroid pedicle. The nerve was graded as per the Cernea classification (type I, IIa and IIb). Goitres are classified into toxic & non-toxic based on hyperthyroidism, further sub classified as large (>50 cc) and small (≤50 cc) based on volume of each lobe. The grading of EBSLN was correlated with hyperthyroidism and volume of each lobe. RESULTS: In 456 patients (912 nerves), EBSLN was identified in 849/912(93.09%), type I in 156/912(17.1%), type IIa in 522/912(57.23%) and type IIb in 171/912(18.75%). The prevalence of large goitres was 180/912(19.73%).Type IIb nerve was predominantly seen in 161/180(89.4%) of large goitres. Type IIb nerves was more common in toxic 141/372(37.9%) than non-toxic lobes 25/540(5.46%). CONCLUSION: Large goitres are not uncommon in toxic cases. The EBSLN is at highest risk of injury in this subgroup of patients and surgical expertise is essential to identify this entity of EBSLN to perform a safe thyroidectomy.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy: the need for evidence-based data and perioperative technical/technological standardization.

The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) is surgically relevant since its close anatomical proximity to the superior thyroid vessels. There is heterogeneity in the EBSLN anatomy and EBSLN damage produces changes in voice that are very heterogenous and difficult to diagnose. The reported prevalence of EBSLN injury widely ranges. EBSLN iatrogenic injury is considered the most commonly underestimated complication in endocrine surgery because vocal assessment underestimates such event and laryngoscopic postsurgical evaluation does not show standardized findings. In order to decrease the risk for EBSLN injury, multiple surgical approaches have been described so far. IONM provides multiple advantages in the EBSLN surgical approach. In this review, we discuss the current state of the art of the monitored approach to the EBSLN. In particular, we summarize, providing our additional remarks, the most relevant aspects of the standardized technique brilliantly described by the INMSG (International Neuromonitoring Study Group). In conclusion, in our opinion, there is currently the need for more prospective randomized trials investigating the electrophysiological and pathological aspects of the EBSLN for a better understanding of the role of IONM in the EBSLN surgery.

Prediction of nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve before thyroid surgery--experience with 1825 cases.

BACKGROUND: Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare anatomic anomaly, which often co-occurs with aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). With this large case series, we present our experience of predicting the presence of NRLN by the means of chest X-ray film, thoracic computed tomography (CT), and ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized study has been carried out. A total of 1825 patients with various thyroid disorders scheduled for surgery were recruited between January 2006 and July 2012. All patients underwent preoperative chest X-ray examination. Those suspected with ARSA further underwent thoracic CT scan. Unsuspected patients who had NRLN revealed by surgery were analyzed with ultrasonography postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (2.25%) were suspected to have ARSA by X-ray, of those 19 (46.3%) were confirmed by thoracic CT and proven to have NRLN upon subsequent surgery. No NRLN injury was inflicted. For the remaining 22 cases, CT scan suggested a normal right subclavian artery and none had NRLN upon surgery. For the 1784 unsuspected patients, 4 (0.22%) were discovered to have NRLN upon surgery, of those one was injured. For the 19 predicted NRLN, the time used for identifying the nerve was significantly shorter than the four cases with unsuspected NRLN (t = -15.978; P = 0.000). After the operation, all these unsuspected NRLN were confirmed to have ARSA by ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Patients scheduled for thyroid surgery should be screened for ARSA upon routine chest X-ray and thyroid ultrasonography before surgery. Detection of ARSA can accurately predict the existence of NRLN; hence prevent NRLN injury during subsequent surgery.

Complications of esophagectomy.

Esophagectomy remains the gold standard curative therapy for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Despite 125 years of evolution, esophagectomy remains a demanding procedure associated with a 5% to 10% mortality and a 50% morbidity rate. Knowledge of the multitude of techniques possible for performing this complex procedure, as well as the host of associated complications, is vital for the practitioner aspiring to treat this challenging disease.

Thyroidectomy-related malpractice claims.

OBJECTIVE: Little information is available regarding the frequency of thyroidectomy-related malpractice claims. Previous studies have not assessed claims that were settled or dropped before trial, providing only a limited view of the medical-legal environment. We sought to determine the frequency of thyroid surgery-related malpractice claims, their causes, and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Database assessment. SETTING: Academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The database of the Physician Insurers Association of America was reviewed. These data are estimated to represent 25% of medical malpractice claims in the United States. Claims from 1985 to 2008 with thyroid-related procedure codes were evaluated for claimant information, insured's specialty, loss description, causation, and claim outcomes. RESULTS: During the 24-year period reviewed, 380 claims related to thyroid surgery were reported. 128 claims (33.7% of total claims) resulted in an indemnity payment either due to settlement or a finding against the defendant. The average indemnity payment was $185,366 (range, $363 to $2,000,000). Among cases in which a specific outcome was reported, 55 were related to laryngeal nerve injury or voice disturbance. No substantial change occurred in the incidence of claims across the study period. During this time, approximately 2,585,000 thyroidectomies were performed. Extrapolating from the Physician Insurers Association of America data, this represents an estimated 5.9 claims per 10,000 cases. CONCLUSION: Malpractice claims related to thyroid surgery are surprisingly infrequent. While the rates of thyroid surgery have risen steadily, there has not been a corresponding increase in the rate of related malpractice claims.