Complications of revision surgery in case of bleeding after thyroid surgery: A systematic review

Objectives: The aim of this review is to evaluate complications in patients undergoing surgical control of bleeding after thyroid surgery. Secondly, we have analyzed the rate of the main complications. Methods: The databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles regarding complications after revision thyroid surgery for bleeding. A Systematic review methodology based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis was performed. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, six are retrospectives and three retrospectives controlled. The overall rate of bleeding after thyroid surgery was 1.38%. In these patients, the most common complication after revision surgery for bleeding is hypoparathyroidism 24.9% (95% CI: 20.7–29.5) followed by recurrent laryngeal nerve injury 8.1% (95% CI: 6.4–10.1) and wound infection 4.5% (95% CI: 2.5–7.6). Tracheostomy and other lethal complications are rarely described. Conclusion: Although rare, complications after surgical control of bleeding in patients undergoing thyroid surgery can be serious. Therefore, in order to optimize the surgical outcomes, standardized protocol providing early detection and precise hemostasis procedure, is needed. Specific patient-informed consent for this condition should be created.