title: Complications of thyroid surgery: how to avoid them, how to manage them, and observations on their possible effect on the whole patient.
abstract: Surgery of the thyroid takes place in an area of complicated anatomy and in which a number of vital physiologic functions and special senses are controlled. Thyroidectomy rarely is associated with mortality; but unless the surgeon performing it is well trained in operative surgery and is knowledgeable of the gland and its function, pathology, and anatomy, excellent results cannot be achieved. Failure to observe cardinal surgical principles may result in legal difficulties, which can be avoided. It is well to observe the principles and avoid problems. We address this issue herein.
authors.affiliation: Endocrine Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Wallace Freeborn Block, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Reeve
authors.forename: N W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*