Advanced age does not increase morbidity after total thyroidectomy. Result of a prospective study

Abstract Background It is well known that total thyroidectomy is feasible on elderly patients but is linked to complications because of their underlying comorbidities. In this study we analyzed the specific risks linked to surgery, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent nerve palsy. Methods materials-methods:Prospective, multicentre trial conducted at 13 hospital sites. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with postoperative hypocalcaemia (albumin-corrected serum calcium level Results In total, 1329 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were included (median age 51.17 years [18.10; 80.90], 80% women, and hyperthyroidism in 20%, 101 ≥ 70 years old). Rates of hypocalcaemia at day 2 and month 6 were 20.02% and 1.98% respectively. Nasofibroscopy showed postoperative abnormal vocal cord motility in 9.92% cases (hypo-motility 5.76% - immobility 4.16%) and 0.95% at month 6 (hypo-motility 0.48%, immobility 0.48%). Patients ≥70 years had a lower (but non-significant) postoperative and definitive hypocalcaemia rate than patients  Conclusions Total thyroidectomy in patients ≥70 years is feasible and safe. Age does not increase the morbidity. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01551914.