Two-day stays after total thyroidectomy were associated with higher complication rates and a 29% higher cost compared to overnight stays.
Observational (n=26,560)
Yes
In short-stay total thyroidectomy, two-day stays are associated with higher complication rates and costs compared to overnight stays, with specific preoperative factors predicting these outcomes.
ABSTRACT Background Predictors of complications and length of stay (LOS) in patients requiring brief inpatient stays after total thyroidectomy remain poorly understood. We identify preoperative risk factors for complications, differentiate predictors of overnight versus two‐day stays and estimate associated hospital costs. Methods The National Inpatient Sample for 2016–2021 was used to analyse adult patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with LOS = 1 or 2 days. Multivariate regressions identified predictors of complications and LOS. Costs were transformed logarithmically. Results Of 26 560 patients, 70% had an overnight stay. Two‐day stays were associated with higher complication rates, comorbidity index, neck dissection and increased cost. Hispanic and Asian or Pacific Islander race, comorbidity and surgery in a rural hospital increased the risk of any thyroidectomy‐specific complication. Two‐day stays had a 29% higher cost than overnight stays. Conclusions Preoperative characteristics can help predict complications and LOS following total thyroidectomy. Risk stratification supports cost‐effective, patient‐centred care planning.
Bass et al. (Sun,) conducted a observational in Total thyroidectomy (n=26,560). Two-day stay vs. Overnight stay was evaluated on Complications and hospital costs. Two-day stays after total thyroidectomy were associated with higher complication rates and a 29% higher cost compared to overnight stays.