Functional dependency may increase the risk of adverse events following many surgical procedures. The present study hypothesized that dependent patients would have an increased risk of complications following thyroidectomy.

It performed a retrospective review of total thyroidectomies, as identified by CPT codes, using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database. It identified Functional dependent status within the NSQIP database with partially or totally dependent combined into the dependent group.

The study observed-

• Enrollment of 64,978 patients, with 0.53% identified as functionally dependent (FD).
• Association of Functional dependency with an increased risk of wound disruption, pneumonia, UTI, stroke, cardiac arrest, PE/DVT, and sepsis/septic shock.
• Higher rates of unplanned intubation, ventilator use, and significant bleeding for dependent patients.
• Increased probability of major complications and an increased length of stay among FD patients.

This study shows that dependent status is associated with an increased risk of complications following thyroidectomy. Focused preoperative and disposition planning for these patients will minimize adverse outcomes and optimize resource utilization.

Source: Mounsey M, Gillis A, Ata A, Vignaly L, Stain SC, Tafen M. Dependent status is a risk factor for complications after thyroidectomy. Am J Surg. 2022 Oct;224(4):1034-1037. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.05.035. Epub 2022 May 27. PMID: 35667896.