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Is There a Minimum Number of Thyroidectomies a Surgeon Should Perform to Optimize Patient Outcomes?

Objective: To determine the number of total thyroidectomies per surgeon per year associated with the lowest risk of complications. Background: The surgeon volume-outcome association has been established for thyroidectomy; however, a threshold number of cases defining a "high-volume" surgeon remains unclear. Methods: Adults undergoing total thyroidectomy were identified from the Health Care Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample (1998-2009). Multivariate logistic regression with restricted cubic splines was utilized to examine the association between the number of annual total thyroidectomies per surgeon and risk of complications.

Adam, M. A., Thomas, S., Youngwirth, L., Hyslop, T., Reed, S. D., Scheri, R. P., Roman, S. A., & Sosa, J. A. (2017). Is There a Minimum Number of Thyroidectomies a Surgeon Should Perform to Optimize Patient Outcomes?. Annals of surgery, 265(2), 402–407. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0000000000001688

This study explores the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or related thermal techniques for treating benign thyroid nodules. It highlights clinical outcomes, safety, and effectiveness relevant to both patients and insurance providers. Objective: To determine the number of total thyroidectomies per surgeon per year associated with the lowest risk of complications. Background: The surgeon volume-outcome association has been established for thyroidectomy; however, a threshold number of cases defining a "high-volume" surgeon remains unclear. Methods: Adults undergoing total thyroidectomy were identified from the Health Care Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample (1998-2009). Multivariate logistic regression with restricted cubic splines was utilized to examine the association between the number of annual total thyroidectomies per surgeon and risk of complications.

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