Post-thyroidectomy Dysphagia: An International Multicentric CONSORT - Compatible RCT
Post-thyroidectomy Dysphagia: An International Multicentric CONSORT - Compatible RCT
The most common and feared complications of total thyroidectomy are vocal cord paralyses and
 hypocalcemia. However, post-thyroidectomy dysphagia is not uncommon and has important
 consequences on the quality of life (QoL). It should be taken seriously by all clinicians.
Dysphagia is a possible complication that can be observed in patients undergoing
 thyroidectomy, and can be related to superior and inferior laryngeal nerves dysfunction, but
 it usually appears after an uncomplicated surgical procedure. Aerodigestive symptoms, such as
 discomfort, tightness, lump, foreign body, difficulty or pain during swallowin, can also
 present before operation. If it appears or aggrevates after surgery, laryngeal nerve damage
 (superior laryngeal nerve - SLN, or inferior laryngeal nerve - recurrent, RLN),
 tracheo-malacia and postoperative fibrotic changes should be interrogated. However, in most
 of the cases, an anatomic and/or physiologic defect in the oro-pharngeal region is not easy
 to be detected. Therefore, a subjective feeling of dysphagia is more common.

 Dysphagia has important consequences on the QoL in postoperative period, and should be
 addressed by the primary surgeon/clinician, regardless of whether it is objective or
 subjective.

 The goal of the present study is to better understand the incidence of postoperative
 dysphagia symptoms among patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy for benign or malign
 thyroid disease. Besides, all possible risk factors (pre-intra-post-operative) are also going
 to be evaluated in detail, and the efficacy of a 6-week dysphagia-rehabilitation programme
 will also be employed and results will be shared.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with benign or malignant thyroid disorder (multinodular goitre, toxic goitre,
 thyroid carcinoma)

 -  Patients with total thyroidectomy (TT) indication

 -  Patients over 17 year-old

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients without thyroid disease

 -  Patients with thyroid disorder, but prepared for surgery other than TT

 -  Healthy volunteers

 -  Patients below 17 y/o