Hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The incidence of hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy and risk factors associated with its occurrence are not completely understood. This systematic review investigated the incidence and risk factors for hypothyroidism, thyroxine supplementation following hemithyroidectomy as well as the course of post-operative hypothyroidism, including the time to hypothyroidism and incidence of transient hypothyroidism. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane library for studies reporting the incidence of hypothyroidism or thyroxine supplementation following hemithyroidectomy. Sixty-six studies were eligible for inclusion: 36 reported risk factors, and 27 reported post-operative course of hypothyroidism. Median follow-up was 25.2 months. The pooled incidence of hypothyroidism was 29