A NSQIP Risk Assessment for Thyroid Surgery Based on Patient Co-morbidity

It is known that thyroid surgery is associated with low mortality and morbidity and is often performed in an ambulatory setting. Due to such low complication rates, studies using single surgeon or institutional data to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes are often limited by inadequate patient volume. The majority of patients undergoing thyroidectomy have an uncomplicated outcome; however, common co-morbidities may increase mortality and morbidity. A clinically applicable risk calculator could improve patient selection and patient counsel for what is generally considered low risk surgery.