[Immediate complications in thyroid surgery].

The Authors report the results of a series of 502 thyroid operations (bilateral in 322 cases [64%] and unilateral in 180 cases [36%]), with the aim to evaluate the incidence of early complications and to establish when they were more likely to occur. Preoperative diagnosis was based on scintigraphic scan recently combined to ultrasonography with fine needle biopsy. In all patients a pre and postoperative control of vocal cords motility was performed. Intraoperative identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve was the rule. Complications include a single case of mortality due to cerebral haemorrhage, 2 cases of monolateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, 4 cases of transient dysphonia, 8 cases of temporary hypoparathyroidism, 5 cases of postoperative bleeding. In three patients a temporary tracheostomy was needed. Thyrotoxic storm did not occur and wound infections were negligible. The various thyroid diseases and their different biological behavior are responsible of the risk factors, local and general ones, which the surgeon must recognize. Diagnostic accuracy, meticulous surgical technique and the best treatment at the first approach are the main factors to prevent complications in thyroid surgery.