Abstract
Background
Day-case thyroid surgery is practiced in some centers mainly in the United States. Potential life-threatening complications make surgeons apprehensive. Data published mainly from the American centers suggest that the approach is clearly feasible and the outcomes are encouraging.
Patients and methods
The study is a case series that was conducted on 75 participants who were indicated for thyroid surgery. Data were collected prospectively at Cairo University Hospitals from June 2018 to February 2019. Patients, fulfilling inclusion criteria, had their surgery and were discharged on the same day, only if the discharge criteria were met.
Results
Ten (13%) out of 75 patients fulfilling the discharge criteria refused to leave the hospital due to anxiety. Four patients were not eligible for the same-day discharge due to operative complications. 61 patients (81%) were patients were discharged safely and were contacted the next day for follow-up. Around 20% of those who were safely discharged on the day of surgery were not satisfied by the service.
Conclusion
With proper patient selection, day-case thyroidectomy is safe and applicable in the Egyptian health service. Awareness campaigns, supporting day-case surgery, are needed to increase public acceptance.