Outpatient versus inpatient thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background Outpatient thyroidectomy has gained popularity due to improved resource utilization. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. We included all studies examining the outcomes of outpatient thyroidectomy as compared with those of inpatient thyroidectomy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Postoperative complications (hematoma, hypocalcemia, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury) and readmission/reintervention rates were compared. Results After screening 1665 records, 10 nonrandomized observational studies were included. There were fewer complication rates in the outpatient group than the inpatient group (relative risk [RR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37‐0.83). There was no difference in readmission/reintervention rates (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.33‐1.09). Conclusion The results suggest outpatient thyroidectomy may be as safe as inpatient thyroidectomy in appropriately selected patients. The results are limited by high risk of bias. Well‐designed prospective studies are necessary to further assess the safety of outpatient thyroidectomy.