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Incidence and circumstances of cervical hematoma complicating thyroidectomy and its relationship to postoperative vomiting
Author(s) -
Boi Marco,
Bonapasta Stefano Amore,
Vari Alessandra,
Scarpini Massimo,
De Cesare Alessandro,
Miccini Michelangelo,
Meucci Massimo,
Tocchi Adriano
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21313
Subject(s) - medicine , vomiting , ondansetron , hematoma , surgery , incidence (geometry) , anesthesia , thyroidectomy , postoperative hematoma , complication , postoperative nausea and vomiting , thyroid , physics , optics
Background. Cervical hematoma is hardly a predictable complication of thyroid surgery. Postoperative vomiting has been reported as a likely risk factor. Methods. Five hundred sixty‐two patients undergoing thyroidectomy were prospectively enrolled in the study and divided into 2 groups. Patients in group A received ondansetron to prevent postoperative vomiting. In group B, patients with low vomiting risk received ondansetron whereas patients at high risk received ondansetron plus dexamethasone. Postoperative outcomes of the groups were analyzed and compared. Results. Cervical hematomas developed in 3 patients (0.53%): 2 in group A and 1 in group B. All hematomas occurred after 6 hours. The incidence of postoperative vomiting was 11.4% in group A and 6.4% in group B ( p = .04). Conclusion. Careful hemostasis remains of prime importance in preventing cervical hematoma. Postoperative vomiting has not been confirmed by this study as a risk factor for the development of hematoma. Ambulatory thyroid surgery is not advisable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010