Practical tips to reduce complication rate in thyroidectomy

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine neoplasm, and its incidence has been consistently rising during the last decades. Surgical treatment is the choice, but the complications can be truly devastating. Methods: The objective of this article is to present some practical tips to reduce the complication rate in thyroid surgery. Results: The more frequent complications during a thyroidectomy are mentioned, as well as practical tips to try to prevent them: acute airway compression, nerve injuries (both inferior laryngeal and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves), and hypoparathyroidism. Conclusion: The prevention of complications during a thyroidectomy is imperative. The only way that the surgeon can assure the safety is to strictly adhere to technical principles, with diligent hemostasis, thorough anatomical knowledge, and gentle handling of the anatomic structures adjacent to the thyroid gland.