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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Endocrine Surgery | Case report

Analysis and outcomes of wrong site thyroid surgery

Authors: Gianlorenzo Dionigi, Marco Raffaelli, Rocco Bellantone, Carmela De Crea, Carlo Enrico Ambrosini, Paolo Miccoli, Gabriele Materazzi, Antonio Ieni, Ettore Caruso, Daqi Zhang, Henning Dralle

Published in: BMC Surgery | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

In thyroid surgery, wrong-site surgery (WSS) is considered a rare event and seldom reported in the literature.

Case presentation

This report presents 5 WSS cases following thyroid surgery in a 20-year period. We stratified the subtypes of WSS in wrong target, wrong side, wrong procedure and wrong patient. Only planned and elective thyroid surgeries present WSS cases. The interventions were performed in low-volume hospitals, and subsequently, the patients were referred to our centres. Four cases of wrong-target procedures (thymectomies [n = 3] and lymph node excision [n = 1] performed instead of thyroidectomies) and one case of wrong-side procedure were observed in this study. Two wrong target cases resulting additionally in wrong procedure were noted. Wrong patient cases were not detected in the review. Patients experienced benign, malignant, or suspicious pathology and underwent traditional surgery (no endoscopic or robotic surgery). 40% of WSS led to legal action against the surgeon or a monetary settlement.

Conclusion

WSS is also observed in thyroid surgery. Considering that reports regarding the serious complications of WSS are not yet available, these complications should be discussed with the surgical community. Etiologic causes, outcomes, preventive strategies of WSS and expert opinion are presented.

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Title: Analysis and outcomes of wrong site thyroid surgery
Authors: Gianlorenzo Dionigi
Marco Raffaelli
Rocco Bellantone
Carmela De Crea
Carlo Enrico Ambrosini
Paolo Miccoli
Gabriele Materazzi
Antonio Ieni
Ettore Caruso
Daqi Zhang
Henning Dralle
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Endocrine Surgery
Thymectomy
Endocrine Surgery
Thyroidectomy
Thymectomy
Thyroidectomy
Published in: BMC Surgery / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2482
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-021-01247-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Analysis and outcomes of wrong site thyroid surgery

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

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