E. Y. Cabrera Riascos1, A. E. Sanabria Quiroga1, L. C. Dominguez Torres1, P. A. Cifuentes Grillo1, A. E. Sanabria Quiroga1 1Universidad De La Sabana,General Surgery/Head And Neck Surgery,Chia, CUNDINAMARCA, Colombia
Introduction:
Traditionally, Patients Undergoing To Thyroidectomy Are Admitted Overnight To Monitor The Potential Complications As Hemorrhage, Airway Compromise And Severe Hypocalcemia. However, Current Evidence Has Shown That Outpatient Thyroidectomy Is Safe, And May Be More Cost-effective. The Aim Of This Study Was To Determine The Costs And Safety Of Outpatient Versus Inpatient Thyroidectomy, Performed Routine In Low-risk Patients.
Methods:
Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy Between July 2013 And January 2014 Was Abstracted From The Surgical Department Databases From A Tertiary Care Center, Noting The Patient’s Age, Sex, American Society Of Anesthesiologists (Asa) Classification, Type Of Thyroidectomy, Indication, Operative Time, Hospital Stay, Postoperative Emergency Room Visit And Complications. The Main Factor Evaluated Were The Direct Costs Of The Intervention, So A Cost-minimization Analysis Was Designed From The Perspective Of The Payer. A Projection Of The Impact On The Budget Of The Health System Was Performed Taking Into Account The Number Approximate Thyroidectomies Per Year Performed.
Results:
A Total Of 44 Patients Were Included, Where 52.3% (N=23) Were Outpatients (Group 1) And 47.7% (N=21) Hospital Thyroidectomy (Group 2). There Were Not Statistically Significant Differences In Age, Type Of Thyroidectomy, Indication For Surgery, Asa And Surgical Time. The Overall Rate Of Complications Was Not Different Between The Groups (P = 0.82). The Overall Difference In Cost Was Usd$ 200.51 (Usd$ 1407.49 +- 247.48 In The Group 1 Versus Usd$ 1608.40 +- 1570.79 In The Group 2) (P <0.01). When Adjusted For Variables Of Resource Use, Implementation Of Ambulatory Thyroidectomy Guidelines, Can Decrease The Value Of The Procedure In 12.5%.
Conclusion:
Outpatient Thyroidectomy Is A Feasible Option, That In Selected Patients Can Minimize The Costs Of The Procedure Safely.
Keywords: Thyroidectomy, Outpatient Surgery, Costs, Complications.