Healthcare impact of introduction of thyroid ultrasound in a thyroid nodule pathology unit

Worldwide incidence of thyroid cancer has increased in recent decades. To provide evidence of the diagnostic and care efficiency of a monographic thyroid nodule clinic integrating clinical examination, ultrasound examination, and cytology with on site evaluation. Patients attending the monographic thyroid nodule clinic from January 2004 to June 2010. Two periods may be distinguished based on availability of ultrasound equipment at the time of the visit: a first period (P1: 01/2004-09/2007) where no ultrasound equipment was available at the clinic and FNA by palpation was performed, and a second period (P2: 10/2007-06/2010) where this equipment was available and ultrasound-guided FNA was performed. A total of 1036 patients [P1: 537 (52%), P2: 499 (48%)] were seen and enrolled. Diagnostic efficiency (P1 vs P2): 143 vs 181 patients were seen annually, p